Automatically-activated laser scanning 2D bar code symbol reading system

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an automatically-activated wireless code symbol reading system comprising a bar code symbol reading mechanism contained within a hand-supportable housing having a manually-activatable data transmission switch. During symbol reading operations, the bar code symbol reading mechanism automatically generates a visible laser scanning pattern for repeatedly reading one or more bar code symbols on an object during a bar code symbol reading cycle, and automatically generating a new symbol character data string in response to each bar code symbol read thereby. During system operation, the user visually aligns the visible laser scanning pattern with a particular bar code symbol on an object (e.g. product, bar code menu, etc.) so that the bar code symbol is scanned, detected and decoded in a cyclical manner. Each time the scanned bar code symbol is successfully read during a bar code symbol reading cycle, a new bar code symbol character string is produced, while an indicator light on the hand-supportable housing is actively driven. During the bar code symbol reading cycle, the user actuates the data transmission switch producing a data transmission control activation signal and enabling a currently or subsequently produced symbol character data string to be automatically selected and transmitted to the host system. By virtue of the present invention, automatically-activated hand-supportable bar code symbol readers are now able to accurately read, in an unprecedented manner, bar code symbols on bar code menus, consumer products positioned in crowded point-of-sale environments, and other objects requiring automatic identification and/or information access.

RELATED CASES

The present application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of: applicationSer. No. 09/204,176, filed Dec. 3, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,283,375;Copending application Ser. No. 08/979,974, filed Nov. 26, 1997, which isa Continuation of Ser. No. 08/690,677, filed Jul. 31, 1996, now U.S.Pat. No. 5,811,780, which is a Continuation of application Ser. No.08/476,069, filed Jun. 7, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,953, which is aContinuation of application Ser. No. 08/147,833, filed Nov. 4, 1993, nowU.S. Pat. No. 5,424,525, which is a Continuation of application Ser. No.07/583,421, filed Sep. 17, 1990, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,260,553;application Ser. No. 08/890,586, filed Jul. 9, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No.5,939,701; which is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 08/292,237,filed Aug. 17, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,808,285, which is a CIP ofapplication Ser. No. 07/898,919, filed Jun. 12, 1992, now U.S. Pat. No.5,340,973, also a CIP of application Ser. No. 07/761,123 filed Sep. 17,1991, now U.S. Pat. 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No. 5,925,870; which is a Continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 08/584,135 filed Jan. 11, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No.5,616,908, which is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 08/278,109filed Nov. 24, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,992, which is aContinuation of application Ser. No. 07/960,733 filed Oct. 14, 1992, nowabandoned, which was a CIP of application Ser. No. 07/898,919, filedJun. 12, 1992, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,973, and a CIP of applicationSer. No. 07/761,123 filed Sep. 17, 1991, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,971;application Ser. No. 08/887,756 filed Jul. 3, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No.6,085,981; which is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 08/632,899filed Apr. 16, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,756,982, which is Continuationof application Ser. No. 08/489,305 filed Jun. 9, 1995, now abandoned,which is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 07/821,917 filed Jan.16, 1992, now abandoned, which was a CIP of application Ser. No.07/580,740 filed Sep. 11, 1990, now abandoned and a CIP of applicationSer. No. 07/583,421 filed Sep. 17, 1990, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,260,553.Each said patent application is assigned to and commonly owned byMetrologic Instruments, Inc. of Blackwood, N.J., and is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to improvements in automaticlaser scanning bar code symbol reading systems, wherein laser scanningand bar code symbol reading operations are automatically initiated inresponse to the automatic detection of objects and/or bar code symbolspresent thereon.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

Bar code symbols have become widely used in many environments such as,for example, point-of-sale (POS) stations in retail stores andsupermarkets, inventory management document tracking, and diverse datacontrol applications. To meet the growing demands of this technologicalinnovation, bar code symbol readers of various types have been developedfor sending bar code symbols and producing symbol character data for useas input in automated data processing systems.

In general, prior art hand-held bar code symbol readers using laserscanning mechanisms can be classified into two major categories.

The first category of hand-held laser-based bar code symbol readersincludes lightweight hand-held laser scanners having manually-activatedtrigger mechanisms for initiating laser scanning and bar code symbolreading operations. The user positions the hand-held laser scanner at aspecified distance from the object bearing the bar code symbol, manuallyactivates the scanner to initiate reading, and then moves the scannerover other objects bearing bar code symbols to be read. Prior art barcode symbol readers illustrative of this first category are disclosed inU.S. Pat. Nos. 4,575,625; 4,845,349; 4,825,057; 4,903,848; 5,107,100;5,080,456; 5,047,617; 4,387,297; 4,806,742; 5,021,641; 5,468,949;5,180,904; 5,206,492; 4,593,186; 5,247,162; 4,897,532; 5,250,792;5,047,617; 4,835,374; 5,017,765; 5,600,121; 5,149,950; and 4,409,470.

The second category of hand-held laser-based bar code symbol readersincludes lightweight hand-held laser scanners havingautomatically-activated (i.e. triggerless) mechanisms for initiatinglaser scanning and bar code symbol reading operations. The userpositions the hand-held laser scanner at a specified distance from anobject bearing a bar code symbol, the presence of the object isautomatically detected using an infrared (IR) light beam or a low-powerlaser light beam, the presence of the bar code symbol on the object isdetected using a visible laser light beam, and thereafter the detectedbar code symbol is automatically scanned and decoded (i.e. read) toproduce symbol character data representative of the read bar codesymbol. Prior art illustrative of this second category of laser-basedbar code symbol reading systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,639,606; 4,933,538; 5,828,048; 5,828,049; 5,825,012; 5,808,285;5,796,091; 5,789,730; 5,789,731; 5,777,315; 5,767,501; 5,736,982;5,742,043; 5,528,024; 5,525,789; D-385,265; 5,484,992; 5,661,292;5,637,852; 5,468,951; 5,627,359; 5,424,525; 5,616,908; 5,591,953;5,340,971; 5,340,973; 5,557,093; 5,260,553.

Automatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol readers of thetype disclosed in the above-referenced US Letters Patents enable thereading of bar code symbols without the shortcomings and drawbacks ofmanually-activated hand-held bar code symbol readers. However,automatically-activated bar code symbol readers can at timesaggressively read bar code symbols that are not desired to be read bythe user as, for example, when attempting to read a particular bar codefrom a list of bar code symbols closely printed on a bar code menu orlike structure. This is caused by the laser scanline within the scanningfield scanning across two or more bar code symbols at the same time,which is likely to occur when the bar code scanner is positioned at alarge distance from the object and the laser scanline is large due tothe scanning geometry of the scanner. Oftentimes inadvertent bar codesymbol reading errors must be corrected at their time of occurrence,wasting valuable time and resources of the user.

Notably, the use of the short-range CCD-emulsion mode taught in U.S.Pat. No. 5,558,024 provides a solution to the problem of inadvertentlyreading undesired bar code symbols closely printed on bar code menus.However, even when using this short-range CCD emulation mode, it ispossible for the automatically-generated laser scanning pattern toinadvertently read an undesired bar code from the bar code menu as theoperator moves the head portion of the hand-held reader into positionover the bar code symbol to be read. This is due to the width the oflaser scanning plane intersecting the object plane bearing the bar codesymbol to be read. While it is possible in theory to operate theIR-based object detector in a short-range mode of operation, costconsiderations make this difficult to achieve in practice.

Also, in order to enjoy the benefits of the short-range CCD-emulationmode, the laser scanning bar code symbol reader must be induced intothis mode of operation either by reading a presignated(function-programming) bar code symbol, or by manually actuating aswitch on the exterior of the scanner housing. Then, after reading thebar code symbol from the menu while the device is in its short-rangeCCD-emulation mode, the user is required to reconfigure the scanner backinto its long-range mode of operation so that it can be used to read barcodes within a large depth of field of the reader. Until steps are takento reconfigure the bar code symbol reader into its long range mode ofoperation, the user is forced to read bar code symbols in itsCCD-emulsion mode which can be inconvenient in many types of scanningapplications, thus reducing worker productivity.

When using the above-described system to read bar code symbols onproducts that have been placed among a set of previously “scanned”products at a check-out counter, there is a high likelihood thatpreviously scanned products will be accidentally re-read, creating anerror in check-out operations. Notably, the structure of this problem isquite similar to the bar code menu reading problem described above.

Thus, there is a great need in the art for an improved system and methodof reading bar code symbols using automatically-activated laser scanningmechanisms while overcoming the above described shortcomings anddrawbacks of prior art systems and methods.

Preferably, the improved system and method should provide the user witha greater degree of control over the disposition of the bar code symbolprocess, whenever it is automatically-initiated to read bar code symbolsprinted on diverse types of objects including, but not limited to,printed bar code symbol menus.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to providean improved system and method of reading bar code symbols using anautomatically-activated laser scanning mechanism while overcoming theabove described shortcomings and drawbacks of prior art devices andtechniques.

Another object of the present invention is to provide anautomatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading systemand method which provides the user with a greater degree of control overthe disposition of bar code symbol reading processes automaticallyinitiated to read bar code symbols printed on diverse types of objectsincluding, but not limited to, printed bar code symbol menus.

Another object of the present invention is to provide anautomatically-activated code symbol reading system comprising a bar codesymbol reading mechanism contained within a hand-supportable housinghaving a manually-activatable data transmission control (activation)switch, and wherein the bar code symbol reading mechanism automaticallygenerates a visible laser scanning pattern for repeatedly reading one ormore bar code symbols on an object during a bar code symbol readingcycle, and automatically generating a new symbol character data stringin response to each bar code symbol read thereby.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anautomatically-activated code symbol reading system, wherein during a barcode symbol reading cycle, the user visually aligns the visible laserscanning pattern with a particular bar code symbol on an object (e.g.product, document, bar code menu, etc.) so that the bar code symbol isscanned, detected and decoded in a cyclical manner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anautomatically-activated code symbol reading system, wherein each timethe scanned bar code symbol is successfully read during a bar codesymbol reading cycle, a new bar code symbol character string isproduced, while an indicator light on the hand-supportable housing isactively driven, and upon activation of the data transmission controlswitch during the bar code symbol reading cycle, a data transmissioncontrol activation signal is produced, enabling a subsequently producedsymbol character data string to be selected and transmitted to the hostsystem in an automatic manner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anautomatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading system,wherein the control subsystem thereof enables the transmission ofproduced symbol character data to the associated host system or datastorage device, only when the data transmission control switch providedon the exterior of the scanner housing is manually activated by the userduring a bar code symbol reading cycle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anautomatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading system,wherein the bar code symbol reading cycle is visually signaled to theuser by a bar code symbol reading state indicator provided on thescanner housing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide anautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system which comprisesan automatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading devicehaving (i) a hand-supportable, body-wearable or surface-supportablehousing, (ii) a preprogrammed set of operational states wherethrough thesystem automatically passes during each bar code symbol readingoperation, without requiring manual activation of a switch, trigger orlike component within the system, and (iii) a preprogrammed symbolcharacter data transmission state of operation into which the system isautomatically induced in response to manual-activation of a datatransmission control switch provided on the exterior of the housing ofthe bar code symbol reader.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system, wherein thepreprogrammed set of operational states include an object detectionstate of operation, a bar code presence detection state of operation,and a bar code symbol reading state of operation, wherein each of thesestates of operation are automatically activated in response to theautomatic detection of predetermined conditions in the object detectionfield, bar code symbol detection field and/or bar code reading field ofthe system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system, wherein theobjection detection is carried out using either infrared (IR) signaltransmission/receiving technology, or low-power non-visible laser beamsignaling technology, which automatically generates an object detectionfield that is spatially-coincident with, or spatially encompasses atleast a portion of the bar code symbol detection and reading fieldsduring the object detection state of system operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide anautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system comprising a setof color-encoded light sources provided on the exterior of the systemhousing for sequentially generating a set of visually-perceptible stateindication signals that visually indicate to the user the various statesof operation, wherethrough the system automatically passes during eachbar code symbol reading cycle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system, wherein the setof color-encoded state indicating light sources on the exterior of thehousing sequentially generate a visually-perceptible object detectionindication signal when the system is automatically induced into theobject detection state of operation, a visually-perceptible bar codesymbol presence detection indication signal when the system isautomatically induced into its bar code symbol detection state ofoperation, and a visually-perceptible bar code symbol read indicationsignal when the system is automatically induced into its bar code symbolreading state of operation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide anautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system which isprogrammed for carrying out a novel method of automatically reading barcode symbols and handling produced symbol character data, and whereinthe transmission of an automatically-generated symbol character datastring to a host system is enabled by the manual-activation of a datatransmission control switch, button or other means (i) provided on theexterior of the housing of the bar code symbol reading device, or (ii)realized on the graphical user interface (GUI) or display screen of thebar code symbol reading device using touch-screen or like technology.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a method ofautomatically reading bar code symbols, wherein: the systemautomatically generates a visually-perceptible object detectionindication signal when the system detects the object with its objectdetection field; the system automatically generates avisually-perceptible bar code detection indication signal when thesystem detects a bar code symbol in its bar code detection field; thesystem automatically generates a visually-perceptible bar code readingindication signal when the system reads a detected bar code symbol inits bar code symbol reading field; and the system automaticallygenerates a visually-perceptible symbol character data transmissionindication signal when the user manually-actuates the data transmissioncontrol switch on the exterior of the scanner housing so as to enabletransmission of automatically produced bar code symbol character data tothe host processor and/or internal or external data storage device ofthe system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system, wherein thevisible laser scanning beam is scanned along a one-dimensional,two-dimensional or omni-directional scanning pattern within the bar codedetection field and bar code reading field of the system.

A further object of the present invention is to provide such anautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system, wherein thehand-supportable bar code symbol reading device can be used as either aportable hand-supported laser scanner in an automatic hands-on mode ofoperation having a manually-activated data transmission state ofoperation, or as a stationary laser projection scanner in an automatichands-free mode of operation having an automatically-activated datatransmission state of operation.

A further object of the present invention is to provide such anautomatically-activated bar code reading system, wherein a base unit isprovided for supporting the hand-supportable bar code symbol readingdevice in its automatic hands-free mode of operation and automaticallygenerating a data transmission control activation signal to enable theautomatically-activated data transmission state in this operationalmode.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such anautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system with a mode ofoperation that permits the user to automatically read one or more barcode symbols on an object in a consecutive manner.

A further object of the present invention is to provide such anautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system, wherein awireless data packet transmission and reception scheme is used totransmit symbol character data to the host system.

A further object of the present invention is to provide anautomatically-activated hand-supportable bar code reading device whichprevents multiple reading of the same bar code symbol due to dwelling ofthe laser scanning beam upon a bar code symbol for an extended period oftime.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a point-of-salestation incorporating the automatically-activated bar code symbolreading system of the present invention.

A further object of the present invention to provide anautomatically-activated hand-supportable bar code reading devicecomprising a control system which has (i) severalautomatically-activated states through which the system passes duringeach automatically-controlled bar code symbol reading operation inresponse to diverse conditions automatically detected by the device, andalso (ii) a manually-activated data transmission state initiated by theuser depressing or manually actuating a switch, button or like structureprovided on the exterior of the housing in response to the automaticgeneration of a bar code symbol read indication signal produced by thesystem.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system, which includes aset of color-encoded light sources provided on the exterior of thehousing for sequentially generating a set of visually-perceptible stateindication signals which visually indicate to the user the variousstates of operation, wherethrough the system automatically passes duringeach bar code symbol reading cycle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system, wherein the setof color-encoded state indicating light sources on the exterior of thehousing sequentially generate a visually-perceptible bar code symboldetection indication signal when the system is automatically inducedinto its bar code symbol detection state of operation, and avisually-perceptible bar code symbol reading indication signal when thesystem is automatically induced into its bar code symbol reading stateof operation, during each automatic bar code symbol reading cyclecarried out by the system of the present invention.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system programmed forwearing out a novel method of automatically reading bar code symbols,and wherein the transmission of automatically-generated symbol characterdata is enabled by manual-activation of a data transmission switch,button or other means realized (i) on the exterior of the housing of thebar code symbol reading device using mechanical, electrical orelectro-mechanical switch technology, or (ii) on the graphical userinterface (GUI) or display screen of the bar code symbol reading deviceusing touch-screen or like technology.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a novelmethod of automatically reading bar code symbols, wherein: when the userpresents an object bearing a bar code symbol within the bar code symboldetection field of the system, the system automatically generates avisually-perceptible bar code symbol detection indication signal: andwhen the visible laser scanning beam is aligned with the bar codesymbol, the system automatically detects the presence of the scanned barcode symbol and automatically enters its bar code reading state ofoperation while continuing generation of the bar code presence detectionindication signal; and after automatically reading the detected bar codesymbol within the bar code symbol reading field and generating symbolcharacter data representative of the read (i.e. detected and decoded)bar code symbol, the system automatically generates avisually-perceptible symbol character data transmission indicationsignal, informing the user that symbol character data representative ofthe automatically detected bar code symbol has been generated and thatthis generated symbol character data is ready for transmission to thehost processor and/or internal or external data storage device of thesystem upon manual-activation of the data transmission activation switchprovided on the exterior of the housing of the bar code symbol readingdevice.

A further object of the present invention is to provide such anautomatically-activated bar code reading system, wherein a base unit isprovided for supporting the hand-supportable bar code symbol readingdevice in its automatic hands-free mode of operation and automaticallygenerating a data transmission control activation signal to enable theautomatically-activated data transmission state in this operationalmode.

Another object of the present invention to provide such anautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system with a mode ofoperation that permits the user to automatically read one or more barcode symbols on an object in a consecutive manner.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such anautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system, wherein its datapacket transmission and reception scheme is initiated in response tomanual-activation of the data transmission activation switch or buttonprovided on the exterior of the bar code reading device of the presentinvention.

Another object of the present invention is to provide anautomatically-activated hand-supportable bar code reading device whichhas a hands-free mode of operation that is automatically selectable byplacing the hand-supportable device within its support stand, or on acountertop or like surface, and a hands-on mode of operation that isautomatically selectable by removing it from the support stand, orlifting it off the countertop surface.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a point-of-sale(POS) station incorporating the automatically-activated bar code symbolreading system of the present invention.

A further object of the present invention to provide anautomatically-activated hand-supportable bar code reading device havinga control system which has (i) several automatically-activated statesthrough which the system may pass during each automatically-controlledbar code symbol reading operation in response to diverse conditionsautomatically detected within the scanning fields of the device, andalso (ii) a manually-activated data transmission state initiated by theuser depressing or manually actuating a switch, button or otherstructure provided on the exterior of the housing in response to theautomatic generation of a bar code symbol reading indication signal bythe system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel method ofhandling bar code symbol character data automatically-generated withinan automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide anautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system, wherein the usercan retransmit symbol character data, associated with a particular barcode symbol, to the host system without requiring reactivation of thelaser beam source or scanning mechanism, thereby increasing thethroughput of the system as well as worker productivity in comparison tothat achievable using manually-activated bar code symbol readers inwhich the laser source and scanning motor are deactivated after eachsuccessful reading of a bar code symbol.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel method oftransmitting automatically-generated bar code symbol character datawithin a hand-supportable unit, to a selected information storage and/orprocessing device located aboard the hand-supportable unit itself, or ata remote location as in the case of a host computer system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wirelessautomatic hand-supportable bar code symbol reading system with automaticrange-dependent data transmission control.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless laserscanning bar code symbol reading system employing a 2-way RF-based datacommunication link between its cradle-providing base station and itswireless hand-supportable code symbol reading device employing amanually-operated data transmission activation switch that is controlledby automatically detecting whether or not the hand-supportable wirelessdevice is located within the RF communication range of the RF-based datacommunication link.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system,wherein the range-dependent condition is detected by detecting thestrength of “heartbeat” signals automatically transmitted from the basestation to the wireless hand-supportable device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such as system,wherein if the hand-supportable scanning device is located out-side ofthe predetermined 2-way RF communication range, then an audible and/orvisual indicator is generated and packaged symbol character data isautomatically buffered within the memory storage of device until thedevice moves into its communication range at a later time, during thenext requested data transmission to the host computer system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such as systemdesigned for use in point-of-sale environments or light warehousingapplications. This system design offers operators convenience andfreedom of mobility.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless laserscanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein wireless reader isprogrammed to require the user to press the data transmission activationbutton another time to transmit the barcode after it has justestablished a new communication link with its base station. This featurewould allow user to rescan a different code to overwrite data before itis sent to the host system via the base station.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless laserscanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein its system controlprocess is programmed to enables multiple reads to be stored before datatransmission is to occur to the base station after depressing the datatransmission activation switch.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless laserscanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein its control system isprogrammed so that all three LEDs illuminate to indicate that wirelessreader is out of range, as well as so that all three LEDs illuminate toindicate that there is stored data in a Data Packet Group Buffer waitingto be transmitted to the base station.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless laserscanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein its control system isprogrammed so that stored data can be cleared by holding down the datatransmission activation switch for programmed duration (i.e. 3 sec.).

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless laserscanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein its control system canbe programmed so that it tests its data communication link beforetransmission of data packets buffered in memory. With this feature, thesystems can avoid losing barcode caused by the disconnection of thereader and its base station.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless laserscanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein a mechanical vibratoris provided within the hand-supportable housing of the wireless deviceso that when scan data transmission from the reader to the base stationis successful, then the reader automatically vibrates. In noisyenvironments, this feature should provide a clear signal to the operatorthat the transmission status has been successful.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless laserscanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein a low batteryprotection circuit is provided within the wireless hand-supportablereader for (i) automatically monitoring battery voltage; (ii)razzing/vibrating the reader if the battery voltage is low, and turningoff laser diode within the device, and causing the system to enter itssleep mode. This circuit can protect the battery from over-discharge anddata errors, because the current drawn from the battery will be muchhigher when its voltage is too low.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless laserscanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein the RF transceiver chipset and associated microcontrollers aboard the wireless reader and basestation are automatically driven into a low power mode when the datacommunication link between the wireless reader and its base station isdisconnected or terminated. When the wireless reader is waked up, thesemicrocontrollers are also woken up at the same time, and the RFtransceivers automatically activated and the communication linkreestablished.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless laserscanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein a system power switchis located at the rear end of reader's housing, and accessible by way ofa small pin hole. With this feature, the operator can disconnect thebattery using the power switch at the rear of the reader. This featureprovides a simple way to save electrical power and will protect thebattery aboard the wireless reader. In addition, this switch can serveas a hardware reset button when something is wrong with the reader.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless laserscanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein the cradle portion ofthe base station is provided with protractable/retractable support hooksfor supporting the hand-held reader in vertical and horizontalorientations alike.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless laserscanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein the firmware ofwireless bar code reader's firmware is updated by a host computer.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a wireless laserscanning bar code symbol reading system, capable of reading 2-D bar codesymbologies such as PDF 417, and the like.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable, fullyautomatic bar code symbol reading system which is compact, simple to useand versatile.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a novelmethod of reading bar code symbols using the automatically-activated barcode symbol reading system of the present invention.

These and further objects of the present invention will become apparenthereinafter and in the Claims to Invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the Objects of the Present Invention, theDetailed Description of the Illustrated Embodiments of the PresentInvention should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a flow-chart type schematic diagram illustrating the stepsinvolved in carrying out the bar code symbol reading method of thepresent invention when using an automatically-activated bar code symbolreading system constructed in accordance therewith;

FIG. 1A is a schematic representation of the first illustrativeembodiment of the automatically-activated bar code symbol reading deviceof the present invention, showing the major subsystem components thereofas comprising an IR-based object detection subsystem, a laser-based barcode symbol detection subsystem, a laser-based bar code symbol readingsubsystem, a data transmission subsystem, and a system controlsubsystem;

FIG. 1B is a schematic representation of the second illustrativeembodiment of the automatically-activated bar code symbol reading deviceof the present invention, showing the major subsystem components thereofas comprising a laser-based object detection subsystem, a laser-basedbar code symbol detection subsystem, a laser-based bar code symbolreading subsystem, a data transmission subsystem, and a system controlsubsystem;

FIG. 1C is a schematic representation of the third illustrativeembodiment of the automatically-activated bar code symbol reading deviceof the present invention, showing the major subsystem components thereofas comprising a laser-based bar code symbol detection subsystem, alaser-based bar code symbol reading subsystem, a data transmissionsubsystem, and a system control subsystem;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the first illustrative embodiment ofthe automatically-activated bar code symbol reading device of thepresent invention, shown supported within the scanner support standportion of its matching base unit, for automatic hands-free operation ata POS-station;

FIG. 2B is an elevated front view of the automatically-activated barcode symbol reading device of FIG. 2A, shown supported within thescanner support stand portion of its base unit for automatic hands-freeoperation;

FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram of the color-coded state indicating lightsources provided on the exterior of the housing of theautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading device of FIGS. 2A and2B, as well as all other automatically-activated bar code symbol readingdevices of the present invention;

FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the automatically-activated bar codesymbol reading device of FIG. 1A, shown being used in the automatichands-on mode of operation;

FIG. 2E is an elevated, cross-sectional side view taken along thelongitudinal extent of the automatically-activated bar code symbolreading device of FIGS. 2A and 2B, showing the various componentscontained therein;

FIG. 2F is a cross-sectional plan view of the automatically-activatedbar code symbol reading device of FIGS. 2A and 2B taken along line 2F-2Fof FIG. 2E, showing the various components contained therein;

FIG. 2G is an elevated side view of the automatically-activated bar codesymbol reading device of FIGS. 2A and 2B, illustrating in greater detailthe spatial relationship between the IR-based object detection field andthe laser-based bar code symbol detection and reading fields of thedevice shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2H is a plan view of the automatically-activated bar code symbolreading device of FIGS. 2A and 2B;

FIG. 2I is a perspective view of the second automatically-activated barcode symbol reading device of the present invention, wherein alaser-based object detection field and laser-based bar code symboldetection and reading field are provided for automatically detectingobjects and reading bar code symbols, respectively while the device isoperated in its hands-on and hands-free modes of operation;

FIG. 2J is a perspective view of the third automatically-activated barcode symbol reading device of the present invention, wherein alaser-based bar code detection field and laser-based bar code symboldetection and reading field are provided for automatically detecting andreading bar code symbols while the device is operated in its hands-onand hands-free modes of operation;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the fourth illustrative embodiment ofthe automatically-activated bar code symbol reading device of thepresent invention shown mounted on the wrist of an operator with itsIR-based object detection field and its laser-based bar code symboldetection and reading field each extending along the pointing directionof the operator's hand during its mode of automatic hands-freeoperation;

FIG. 3B is an elevated, cross-sectional side view of theautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading device of FIG. 3A, takenalong the longitudinal extent thereof, while configured in its readingconfiguration, showing the various components contained therein;

FIG. 3C is an elevated, cross-sectional side view of theautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading device of FIG. 3A, takenalong the longitudinal extent thereof, while configured in itsnon-reading configuration, showing the various components containedtherein;

FIG. 3D is a perspective view of the fifth illustrative embodiment ofthe automatically-activated bar code symbol reading device of thepresent invention, shown mounted on the wrist of an operator with itslaser-based object detection field and its laser-based bar code symboldetection and reading field each extending along the pointing directionof the operator's hand during its mode of automatic hands-freeoperation;

FIG. 3E is a perspective view of the sixth illustrative embodiment ofthe automatically-activated bar code symbol reading device of thepresent invention, shown mounted on the wrist of an operator with itslaser-based bar code symbol detection field and laser-based bar codesymbol reading field each extending along the pointing direction of theoperator's hand during automatic hands-free operation;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the seventh illustrative embodiment ofthe automatic bar code symbol reading device of the present invention,shown supported in its rechargeable base unit, equipped with a bar codesymbol printing engine connected thereto, and having an IR-based objectdetection field and laser-based bar code symbol detection and readingfield;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the seventh illustrative embodimentof the bar code symbol reading device, taken along line 4B-4B of FIG.4A, showing the device resting in its base unit during a batteryrecharging operation;

FIG. 4C is a plan view of the seventh illustrative embodiment of the barcode symbol reading device of the present invention, shown reading a barcode symbol printed on a sheet of paper;

FIG. 4D is a perspective view of the seventh illustrative embodiment ofthe bar code symbol reading device of the present invention, shownreading a bar code symbol printed on a sheet of paper while in proximityto its mated base unit;

FIG. 4E is a perspective view of the eighth illustrative embodiment ofthe bar code symbol reading device of the present invention, shownreading a bar code symbol printed on a sheet of paper using itslaser-based object detection field and its laser-based bar code symboldetection and reading fields;

FIG. 4F is a perspective view of the ninth illustrative embodiment ofthe bar code symbol reading device of the present invention, shownreading a bar code symbol printed on a sheet of paper using itslaser-based bar code symbol detection and reading fields;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the tenth illustrative embodiment ofthe finger-mounted bar code symbol reading device of the presentinvention, shown reading a bar code symbol while in proximity to itsmated base unit using its IR-based object detection field and itslaser-based bar code symbol detection and reading fields;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the eleventh illustrative embodiment ofthe finger-mounted bar code symbol reading device of the presentinvention, shown reading a bar code symbol while in proximity to itsmated base unit using its laser-based object detection field andlaser-based bar code symbol detection and reading fields;

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the twelfth illustrative embodiment ofthe finger-mounted bar code symbol reading device of the presentinvention, shown reading a bar code symbol while in proximity with itsmated base unit using its laser-based bar code detection field andlaser-based bar code symbol reading field;

FIG. 5D is a perspective view of the automatically-activated bar codesymbol reading device of FIG. 5A, shown being used to read bar codesymbols in an inventory application;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the thirteenth illustrative embodimentof the automatically-activated bar code symbol reading device of thepresent invention, comprising an integrated WWW browser program forclient-side HTTP support, a touch-screen LCD panel for manual data entryand visual data display, an integrated laser scanning bar code symbolreading engine for producing an IR-based object detection field and 1-Dor 2-D laser-based bar code symbol detection and reading fields, and awireless communication link established with an Internet ServiceProvider (ISP) connected with the Internet, for mobile usage withindiverse application environments;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the fourteenth illustrative embodimentof the automatically-activated bar code symbol reading device of thepresent invention, comprising, an integrated WWW browser program forclient-side HTTP support, a touch-screen LCD panel for manual data entryand visual data display, an integrated laser scanning bar code symbolreading engine for producing a laser-based object detection field and 1or 2-D laser-based bar code symbol detection and reading fields, and awireless communication link established with an Internet ServiceProvider (ISP) connected with the Internet, for mobile usage withindiverse application environments;

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the fifteenth illustrative embodimentof the automatically-activated bar code symbol reading device of thepresent invention, comprising an integrated WWW browser program forclient-side HTTP support, a touch-screen LCD panel for manual data entryand visual data display, an integrated laser scanning bar code symbolreading engine for producing a laser-based bar code detection field and1 or 2-D laser-based bar code symbol detection and reading fields, and awireless communication link established with an Internet ServiceProvider (ISP) connected with the Internet, for mobile usage withindiverse application environments;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the sixteenth illustrative embodimentof the automatically-activatable bar code symbol reading device of thepresent invention, comprising an integrated laser scanning bar codesymbol reading engine for producing an IR-based object detection fieldand a laser-based omni-directional bar code symbol reading field, and awireless communication link established with its base station adaptedfor battery recharging and hands-free mode of operation within diverseapplication environments;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the seventeenth illustrative embodimentof the automatically-activatable bar code symbol reading device of thepresent invention, comprising an integrated laser scanning engine forproducing a laser-based object detection field and a laser-basedomni-directional laser scanning field, and a wireless communication linkestablished with its base station adapted for battery recharging andhands-free mode of operation within diverse application environments;

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of the eighteenth illustrative embodimentof the automatically-activatable bar code symbol reading device of thepresent invention, comprising an integrated laser scanning bar codesymbol reading engine for producing a laser-based bar code detectionfield and a laser-based omni-directional bar code symbol reading field,and a wireless communication link established with its base stationadapted for battery recharging and hands-free mode of operation withindiverse application environments;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the nineteenth illustrative embodimentof the automatically-activated bar code symbol reading device of thepresent invention, comprising an automatically-activated laser scanningbar code symbol reading engine having an IR-based object detection fieldand a 1-D or 2-D laser-based bar code symbol detection and readingfield, shown mounted on the back of the hand of an operator and havingan external data terminal mounted on the arm thereof;

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the twentieth illustrative embodimentof the automatically-activated bar code symbol reading device of thepresent invention, comprising an automatically-activated laser scanningbar code symbol reading engine having a laser-based object detectionfield and a 1-D or 2-D laser-based bar code symbol detection and readingfield, shown mounted on the back of the hand of an operator and havingan external data terminal mounted on the arm thereof;

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the twenty-first illustrativeembodiment of the automatically-activated bar code symbol reading deviceof the present invention, comprising an automatically-activated laserscanning bar code symbol reading engine having a 1 -D or 2-D laser-basedbar code symbol detection and reading field, shown mounted on the backof the hand of an operator and having an external data terminal mountedon the arm thereof;

FIG. 8D is a perspective view of the automatically-activated bar codesymbol reading device of FIG. 8A, 8B or 8C, being used to read bar codesymbols in an inventory application;

FIG. 8E 1 is a perspective view of the twenty-second illustrativeembodiment of the automatically-activated bar code symbol reading systemof the present invention, comprising an automatically-activated laserscanning bar code symbol reading engine having an IR-based objectdetection field, a 2-D laser based bar code detection field, and a 2-Dlaser-based bar code symbol reading field, shown supported above acountertop surface and induced into its automatic hands-on mode ofoperation.

FIG. 8E 2 is a sideview of the system of FIG. 8E 1 positioned on acountertop surface and induced into its automatic hands-free mode ofoperation;

FIG. 8F is a perspective view of the twenty-third illustrativeembodiment of the automatically-activated bar code symbol reading systemof the present invention, comprising an automatically-activated laserscanning bar code symbol reading engine having a laser-based objectdetection field, a 2-D laser-based bar code symbol detection field, anda 2-D laser-based bar code symbol reading field, shown supported above acountertop surface and induced into its automatic hands-on mode ofoperation;

FIG. 8G is a perspective view of the twenty-fourth illustrativeembodiment of the automatically-activated bar code symbol reading systemof the present invention, comprising an automatically-activated laserscanning bar code symbol reading engine having a 2-D laser-basedscanning field, shown supported above a countertop surface and inducedinto its automatic hands-on mode of operation;

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a first illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading engine ofthe present invention shown completely assembled, adapted forincorporation into any one of the bar code symbol reading devices of thepresent invention, and programmed for automatically reading bar codesymbols using its IR-based object detection field and its 1-Dlaser-based scanning (i.e. bar code detection and reading) field;

FIG. 9B is a perspective, exploded view of the automatically-activatedlaser-based bar code symbol reading engine shown in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C is a perspective view of the holographic-based laser scanningmodule employed within the laser scanning engine of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9D is a plan view of the laser scanning module employed within thelaser scanning engine of FIG. 9A, showing the operation of itsholographic optical elements during beam shaping and theelectromagnetically-driven scanning element during laser scanningoperations;

FIG. 9E is a perspective view of a second illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading engine ofthe present invention shown completely assembled and adapted forincorporation into any one of the bar code symbol reading devices of thepresent invention, and programmed for automatically reading bar codesymbols using its laser-based object detection field and its 1-Dlaser-based scanning (i.e. bar code detection and reading) field;

FIG. 9F is a perspective view of a third illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading engine ofthe present invention shown completely assembled, adapted forincorporation into any one of the bar code symbol reading devices of thepresent invention, and programmed for automatically reading bar codesymbols using its 1-D laser-based scanning (i.e. bar code detecting andreading) field, without automatic object detection;

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a fourth illustrative embodiment ofthe automatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol readingengine of the present invention shown completely assembled, adapted forincorporation into any one of the bar code symbol reading devices of thepresent invention, and programmed for automatically reading bar codesymbols using its IR-based object detection field and its 2-Dlaser-based scanning (i.e. bar code detecting and reading) field;

FIG. 10B is an elevated front view of the automatically-activated laserscanning bar code symbol reading engine of FIG. 10A, showing thegeometrical characteristics of its light transmission window;

FIG. 10C is an elevated rear view of the automatically-activated laserscanning bar code symbol reading engine of FIG. 10A, showing itsinput/output signal port;

FIG. 10D is a perspective view of the automatically-activated laserscanning bar code symbol reading engine of FIG. 10A, shown with theupper cover portion of the miniature housing removed off from the lowerhousing portion thereof, revealing the optical layout of the laser beamscanning optics of the device;

FIG. 10E is a perspective view of a fifth illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading engine ofthe present invention shown completely assembled, adapted forincorporation into any one of the bar code symbol reading devices of thepresent invention, and programmed for automatically reading bar codesymbols using its laser-based object detection field and its 2-Dlaser-based scanning (i.e. bar code detecting and reading) field in anautomatic manner;

FIG. 10F is a perspective view of a sixth illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading engine ofthe present invention, shown completely assembled, adapted forincorporation into any one of the bar code symbol reading devices of thepresent invention, and programmed for automatically reading bar codesymbols using its 2-D laser-based scanning (i.e. bar code detecting andscanning) field, without automatic object detection;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a seventh illustrative embodiment ofthe automatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol readingengine of the present invention shown completely assembled and adaptedfor incorporation into any one of the bar code symbol reading devices ofthe present invention, and programmed for automatically reading bar codesymbols using its IR-based object detection field, and its 2-Domnidirectional-type laser scanning (i.e. bar code detecting andreading) field in an automatic manner;

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of an eighth illustrative embodiment ofthe automatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol readingengine of the present invention shown completely assembled, adapted forincorporation into any one of the bar code symbol reading devices of thepresent invention, and programmed for automatically reading bar codesymbols using its laser-based object detection field and its laser-basedomnidirectional scanning (i.e. bar code detecting and reading) field inan automatic manner;

FIG. 11C is a perspective view of a ninth illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading engine ofthe present invention shown completely assembled, adapted forincorporation into any one of the bar code symbol reading devices of thepresent invention, and programmed for reading bar code symbols using itslaser-based omnidirectional-type scanning (i.e. bar code symboldetecting and reading) field without using automatic object detection;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic cross-sectional views of the 3-D laserscanning volume generated from the laser scanning engines of FIGS. 11A,11B and 11C, taken parallel to the light transmissive window at about1.0″ and 5.0″ therefrom;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a tenth illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading engine ofthe present invention shown completely assembled, adapted forincorporation into any one of the bar code symbol reading devices of thepresent invention, and programmed for reading bar code symbols using itsIR-based object detection field and its 2-D raster-type laser scanning(i.e. detecting and reading) field projected within a 3-D scanningvolume in an automatic manner;

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of an eleventh illustrative embodiment ofthe automatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol readingengine of the present invention shown completely assembled, adapted forincorporation into any one of the bar code symbol reading devices of thepresent invention, and programmed for reading bar code symbols using itslaser-based object detection field and its 2-D raster-type laserscanning (i.e. detecting and reading) field projected within a 3-Dscanning volume in an automatic manner;

FIG. 13C is a perspective view of a twelfth illustrative embodiment ofthe automatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol readingengine of the present invention shown completely assembled, adapted forincorporation into any one of the bar code symbol reading devices of thepresent invention, and programmed for reading bar code symbols using itslaser-based scanning (i.e. bar code detecting and reading) fieldprojected within a 3-D scanning volume without using automatic objectdetection;

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a thirteenth illustrative embodimentof the automatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol readingengine of the present invention shown completely assembled, adapted forincorporation into any one of the bar code symbol reading devices of thepresent invention, and programmed for reading bar code symbols using itsIR-based object detection field and its 3-D omni-directional/multi-focalplane laser scanning (i.e. detecting and reading) field projected withina well-defined 3-D scanning volume in an automatic manner;

FIG. 14B is a perspective view of a fourteenth illustrative embodimentof the automatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol readingengine of the present invention shown completely assembled, adapted forincorporation into any one of the bar code symbol reading devices of thepresent invention, and programmed for reading bar code symbols using itslaser-based object detection field and its 3-Domni-directional/multi-focal plane laser scanning (i.e. detecting andreading) field projected within a well-defined 3-D scanning volume in anautomatic manner;

FIG. 14C is a perspective view of a fifteenth illustrative embodiment ofthe automatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol readingengine of the present invention shown completely assembled, adapted forincorporation into any one of the bar code symbol reading devices of thepresent invention, and programmed for reading bar code symbols using its3-D omni-directional/multi-focal plane laser scanning (i.e. detectingand reading) field projected within a well-defined 3-D scanning volumein an automatic manner, without using automatic object detection;

FIGS. 15A1 through 15A4, taken together, is a system block functionaldiagram of the first general operating system design for theautomatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading system ofthe present invention, wherein automatic IR-based object detection isemployed during system operation;

FIG. 15B 1 is a schematic diagram of the system override signaldetection circuit employed in the Application Specific IntegratedCircuit (ASIC) chip within the automatically-activated bar code symbolreading system of FIGS. 15A1 through 15A4;

FIG. 15B 2 is a functional logic diagram of the system overridedetection circuit of the present invention;

FIG. 15C is a functional logic diagram of the oscillator circuit in theASIC chip in the bar code symbol reading system of FIGS. 15A1 through15A4;

FIG. 15D is a timing diagram for the oscillator circuit of FIG. 15C;

FIG. 15E is a block functional diagram of the IR-based object detectioncircuit in the bar code symbol reading system of FIGS. 15A1 through15A4;

FIG. 15F is a functional logic diagram of the first control circuit (C₁)of the control subsystem of FIGS. 15A1 through 15A4;

FIG. 15G is a functional logic diagram of the clock divide circuit inthe first control circuit C₁ of FIG. 15F;

FIG. 15H is table setting forth Boolean logic expressions for theenabling signals produced by the first control circuit C₁;

FIG. 15I is a functional block diagram of the analog to digital (A/D)signal conversion circuit in the ASIC chip in the bar code symbolreading system of FIGS. 15A1 through 15A4;

FIG. 15J is a functional logic diagram of the bar code symbol (presence)detection circuit in the ASIC chip in the bar code symbol reading systemof FIGS. 15A1 through 15A4;

FIG. 15K is a functional logic diagram of the clock divide circuit inthe bar code symbol detection circuit of FIG. 15J;

FIG. 15L is a schematic representation of the time window andsubintervals maintained by the bar code symbol detection circuit shownin FIGS. 15A1 through 15A4 during the bar code symbol detection process,

FIG. 15M is a functional logic diagram of the second control circuit(C₂) in the ASIC chip in the automatic bar code symbol reading system ofFIGS. 15A1 through 15A4;

FIG. 15N is Boolean logic table defining the functional relationshipsamong the input and output signals into and out from the second controlcircuit C₂ shown in FIG. 15M;

FIG. 15O is a schematic representation of the format of each data packettransmitted from the data packet transmission circuit shown in FIGS.15A1 through 15A4;

FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram of the data packet transmissioncircuit employed in the bar code symbol reading system of FIGS. 15A1through 15A4;

FIG. 17 is a schematic representation illustrating a first communicationmethod that can be used to link a bar code symbol reader hereof to aremote base unit, wherein the bar code symbol reader employs one-waywireless data packet transmission to a base unit employingcondition-dependent acoustical signaling for data packet receptionacknowledgment;

FIG. 18 is a schematic representation illustrating a secondcommunication method that can be used to link a bar code symbol readerhereof to a remote base unit, wherein the bar code symbol reader employstwo-way wireless data packet transmission to a base unit employing DFSKmodulation technique;

FIG. 19 is a schematic representation illustrating a third communicationmethod that can be used to link a bar code symbol reader hereof to aremote base unit, wherein the bar code symbol reader employs two-waywireless data packet transmission to a base unit employingspread-spectrum signaling technique;

FIGS. 20A1 to 20E, taken together, show a high level flow chart of thecontrol process carried out by the control subsystem of the bar codesymbol reading system of FIGS. 15A1 through 15A4;

FIG. 21 is a state diagram illustrating the various states that theautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of FIGS. 15A1through 15A4 may undergo during the course of its programmed operation;

FIGS. 22A1 through 22A4, taken together, is a system block functionaldiagram of the second general system design for theautomatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading system ofthe present invention, wherein automatic low-power laser-based objectdetection is employed during system operation;

FIG. 22B is a block functional diagram of the laser-based objectdetection circuit in the bar code symbol reading system of FIGS. 22A1through 22A4;

FIG. 22C is a functional logic diagram of the first control circuit (C₁)of the control subsystem of FIGS. 22A1 through 22A4;

FIGS. 23A1 to 23E, taken together, show a high level flow chart of thecontrol process carried out by the control subsystem of the bar codesymbol reading system of FIGS. 22A1 through 22A4, illustrating variousmodes of object detection, bar code presence detection, bar code symbolreading, and symbol character data transmission;

FIG. 24 is a state diagram illustrating the various states that theautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of FIGS. 22A1through 22A4 may undergo during the course of its programmed operation;

FIGS. 25A and 25B, taken together, is a system block functional diagramof the third general system design for the automatically-activated laserscanning bar code symbol reading system of the present invention,wherein bar code symbol presence detection and bar code symbol readingare employed during system operation, without employment of objectdetection;

FIG. 26 is a schematic representation of the pulse characteristics ofthe laser beam produced from the automatically-activated laser scanningbar code symbol reading system of FIGS. 25A and 25B during its variousmodes of operation;

FIGS. 27A to 27C, taken together, show a high level flow chart of thecontrol process performed by the control subsystem of the bar codesymbol reading system of FIGS. 25A and 25B; illustrating its variousmodes of bar code presence detection, bar code symbol reading and symbolcharacter data transmission;

FIG. 28 is a state diagram illustrating the various states that theautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of FIGS. 25A and25B may undergo during the course of its programmed operation;

FIGS. 29A1 through 29A4, taken together, is a system block functionaldiagram of the fourth general system design for theautomatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading system ofthe present invention, wherein functionalities of the first-generalizedsystem design are combined with the functionalities of the thirdgeneralized system design;

FIG. 29B is a functional logic diagram of the first control circuit (C₁)of the control subsystem of FIGS. 29A1 through 29A4;

FIG. 29C is a functional logic diagram of the clock divide circuit inthe first control circuit C₁ of FIG. 29B;

FIG. 29D is a table setting forth Boolean logic expressions for theenabling signals produced by the first control circuit C₁ shown in FIGS.29A1 through 29A4;

FIGS. 30A1 to 30F2, taken together, show a high level flow chart of thecontrol process carried out by the control subsystem of the bar codesymbol reading system of FIGS. 29A1 through 29A4, illustrating variousmodes of object detection, bar code presence detection, bar code symbolreading, and symbol character data transmission;

FIGS. 31A and 31B, taken together, is a state diagram illustrating thevarious states that the automatically-activated bar code symbol readingsystem of FIGS. 29A1 through 29A4 may undergo during the course of itsprogrammed operation;

FIGS. 32A1 through 32E set forth a flow chart for an alternative systemcontrol process that can be used in connection with the firstgeneralized system design shown in FIGS. 15A1-15A4;

FIGS. 33A1 through 33E set forth a flow chart for an alternative systemcontrol process that can be used in conjunction with the secondgeneralized system design shown in FIGS. 22A1 and 22A2;

FIGS. 34A through 34C set forth a flow chart for an alternative systemcontrol process that can be used in conjunction with the thirdgeneralized system design shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B;

FIGS. 35A through 35F2 set forth a flow chart for an alternative systemcontrol process that can be used in conjunction with the fourthgeneralized system design shown in FIGS. 29A1 and 29A2;

FIG. 36A is a perspective view of the scanner support stand housing ofthe countertop base unit for use with the bar code symbol reading deviceshown in FIG. 2D;

FIG. 36B is a perspective view of the base plate portion of thecountertop base unit shown in FIG. 36A;

FIG. 36C is a perspective, partially broken away view of the assembledcountertop base unit shown in FIG. 2D;

FIG. 37 is a functional block diagram of the data packet receiving andprocessing circuitry and the acknowledgment signal generating circuitryrealized on the printed circuit board in the base unit shown in FIG.36C;

FIG. 38A is a perspective view of the portable data collection base unitshown in FIG. 3A, interfaceable with a host computer system fortransferring symbol character data collected from anautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading device of the presentinvention as shown, for example, in FIGS. 2A, 2I, 2J, 3A, 3D, 3E, 7A,7B, and 7C;

FIG. 38B is an elevated side view of the portable data collection baseunit shown in FIG. 38A;

FIG. 38C is an elevated end view of the portable data collection baseunit shown in FIG. 38A;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a PCMCIA card base unit shown installedwithin the PCMCIA slot of a portable laptop computer system, for use inestablishing a data transmission link between the laptop computer systemand an automatically-activated bar code symbol reading device of thepresent invention;

FIGS. 40A to 40D are perspective views of a point-of-sale system,showing the countertop base unit of FIG. 36C supported on a horizontalcountertop surface and operably connected to an electronic cashregister, with the automatic hand-supportable bar code symbol readingdevice of FIG. 2A being used in its hands-on mode of operation;

FIG. 41A is a perspective view of a point-of-sale station according tothe present invention, showing the countertop base unit of FIG. 36Cpivotally supported above a horizontal counter surface by way of apedestal base mounted under an electronic cash register, and theautomatic hand-supportable bar code symbol reading device of FIG. 2Areceived in the base unit while being used in its automatic “hands-freemode of operation;”

FIGS. 41B and 41C are perspective views of a point-of-sale stationaccording to the present invention, showing the counter-top base unit ofFIG. 36C pivotally supported above a horizontal counter surface by wayof a pedestal base, and the automatic hand-supportable bar code symbolreading device being used in its automatic “hands-on” mode of operation;

FIGS. 42A through 42C are perspective views of theautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of FIG. 2A beingused to read a bar code symbol menu in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention;

FIGS. 43A through 43D are perspective views of an alternative embodimentof the automatic wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading systemof the present invention employing a 2-way RF-based data communicationlink between its cradle-providing base station and its hand-supportablecode symbol reading device employing a manually-operated datatransmission activation switch, wherein the operation of the datatransmission activation switch is controlled by the automatic detectionthat the hand-supportable wireless device is located within the RFcommunication range of the RF-based data communication link by way ofdetecting the strength of “heartbeat” signals transmitted from the basestation to the wireless hand-supportable device;

FIGS. 43E through 43J show in greater detail theretractable/protractable support hook integrated within thecradle-providing base station for (i) supporting the automatichand-supportable wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading devicein a vertical position when the hinged support hook is arranged in itsprotracted configuration as shown in FIGS. 43E1 and 43F, and (ii)supporting the automatic hand-supportable wireless laser scanning barcode symbol reading device in a horizontal position when the hingedsupport hook is arranged in its retracted configuration as shown inFIGS. 43G and 43H;

FIG. 43I shows an elevated side view of the cradle-supporting basestation employed in the system of FIGS. 43A through 43D, with itssupport hook arranged in its retracted configuration;

FIG. 43J shows an elevated side view of the cradle-supporting basestation employed in the system of FIGS. 43A through 43D, with itssupport hook arranged in its protracted configuration;

FIG. 44A 1 is a schematic representation of the system shown in FIGS.43A through 43D, wherein the wireless automatic bar code reading deviceis moved within the predetermined communication range of the systems's2-way RF data communication link, and wherein the heartbeat signalautomatically transmitted from RF transceiver chip set in thecradle-providing base station is being longer received and detected bythe RF transceiver chip set in the wireless automatic bar code readingdevice, automatically causing the data transmission subsystem in thehand-supportable device to generate an “in-range activation signal”,A₅=1 for use by the control subsystem thereof during data packettransmission operations;

FIG. 44A 2 is a schematic representation of the system shown in FIGS.43A through 43D, wherein the wireless automatic bar code reading deviceis moved outside the predetermined communication range of the systems's2-way RF data communication link, and wherein the heartbeat signalautomatically transmitted from RF transceiver chip set in thecradle-providing base station is no longer received and detected by theRF transceiver chip set in the wireless automatic bar code readingdevice, automatically causing the data transmission subsystem in thehand-supportable device to generate an “out-of-range activation signal”,A₅=0 for use by the control subsystem thereof during data packettransmission operations;

FIGS. 45A1 through 45A4, taken together, is a system block functionaldiagram of the operating system design for the automatically-activatedlaser scanning bar code symbol reading system shown in FIGS. 43A through44A2, wherein automatic IR-based object detection is employed duringsystem operation;

FIG. 45B is a schematic diagram of an alternative battery chargingcircuit which can be used in the system shown in FIGS. 43A through 45A4,wherein direct electrical contacts are provided on the wirelesshand-supportable device and on the cradle-providing base station toestablish electrical connectivity therebetween and supply a regulated DCsupply voltage to the hand-supportable device to charge the battery packcontained therein;

FIGS. 46A1 through 46C4, taken together, show a high level flow chart ofthe control process carried out by the control subsystem of the bar codesymbol reading system of FIGS. 45A1 through 45A4;

FIG. 47 is a perspective views of an alternative embodiment of theautomatic wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system of thepresent invention shown in FIGS. 43A-46C4, modified to support thereading of 2-D bar code symbols (e.g. such as the PDF 417 symbology) andthe novel 2-way RF-based data communication link interface illustratedin FIGS. 43A-46C4, by way of the user manually moving the linear laserscanning pattern generated therefrom in a downward direction along theheight dimension of the 2-D bar code structure, and therewhile, the BarCode Symbol Data Detector (311′) employed therein automaticallyactivating the generation of audible sounds (e.g. clicks) as each lineof bar code symbol data is detected thereby prior to 2-D symbol decodingand data packet transmission to the remote base station;

FIGS. 47A1 through 47A4, taken together, is a system block functionaldiagram of the operating system design for the automatically-activatedlaser scanning bar code symbol reading system shown in FIG. 47, whereinautomatic IR-based object detection is employed during system operation;and

FIGS. 47A1 through 47C4, taken together, show a high level flow chart ofthe control process carried out by the control subsystem of the bar codesymbol reading system of FIGS. 47A1 through 47A4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENTINVENTION

Referring to the figures in the accompanying Drawings, the variousillustrative embodiments of the automatically-activated laser scanningbar code symbol reading system of the present invention will bedescribed in great detail, wherein like elements will be indicated usinglike reference numerals.

Prior to detailing the various illustrative embodiments of the presentinvention, it will be helpful to first provide a brief overview of thesystem and method thereof.

As illustrated in Blocks A and B of FIG. 1, the present inventionteaches an automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system 1000comprising a bar code symbol reading mechanism 1001 contained within ahand-supportable housing 1002 having a manually-activatable datatransmission switch 1003. During symbol reading operations, the bar codesymbol reading mechanism 1001 automatically generates a visible laserscanning pattern 1004 for repeatedly reading one or more bar codesymbols 1005 on an object 1005B within a bar code symbol reading cycle,and automatically generating a new symbol character data string 1006A,or 1006B, respectively, in response to each bar code symbol readthereby. In general, each bar code symbol reading cycle has apredetermined time extent controlled by one or more timers that areperiodically monitored during system operation.

During the first step of the bar code symbol reading method of thepresent invention illustrated at Block A of FIG. 1, the user 1007visually aligns the visible laser scanning pattern 1004 with aparticular bar code symbol 1005A on an object (e.g. product, bar codemenu, etc.) 1005B so that the bar code symbol is scanned, detected anddecoded in a cyclical manner during each bar code symbol reading cycle.Each time the scanned bar code symbol is successfully read during a barcode symbol reading cycle, a new bar code symbol character string,schematically depicted as a circulating-arrow structure 1006A, isproduced while an indicator light 1008 on the hand-supportable housing1002 is actively driven.

As indicated at Block B in FIG. 1, upon actuation of the datatransmission switch 1003 during the bar code symbol reading cycle which,in general, can be achieved by changing the state of the switch, a datatransmission control activation signal is internally produced, therebyenabling a (currently or subsequently) produced symbol character datastring, schematically depicted as a directional-arrow structure 1006B,to be selected and transmitted to the host system 1009.

By virtue of the present invention, automatically-activatedhand-supportable bar code symbol readers are now able to accuratelyread, in an unprecedented manner, diverse types of bar code symbols onbar code menus, consumer products positioned in crowded POSenvironments, and other objects requiring automatic identificationand/or information access and processing.

In FIGS. 1 to 8D, twenty-one different embodiments of theautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of the presentinvention are shown. These twenty-one different embodiments can beclassified into three different types of generalized system designs,each based on the general manner in which its underlying laser scanningmechanism is automatically-activated and controlled during the bar codesymbol reading process of the present invention. These three differentsystem designs are illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C. In each of thesegeneralized system designs, activation of the bar code symbol detectionand bar code symbol reading operations is carried out in a fullyautomatic manner, without the use of a manually-activated trigger orlike mechanism, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,828,048;5,828,049; 5,825,012; 5,808,285; 5,796,091; 5,789,730; 5,789,731;5,777,315; 5,767,501; 5,736,482; 5,661,292; 5,627,359; 5,616,908;5,591,953; 5,557,093; 5,528,024; 5,525,798, 5,484,992; 5,468,951;5,425,525; 5,240,971; 5,340,973; 5,260,553; incorporated herein byreference. Prior to describing each of the illustrative embodiments ofthe present invention in detail, it will be helpful at this juncture tobriefly describe each of the three generalized system designs of thepresent invention.

First Generalized System Design For The Automatically-Activated Bar CodeSymbol Reading Device Of The Present Invention

The first generalized system design of the present invention is shown inFIG. 1A. Eight illustrative embodiments of this first generalized systemdesign are represented by the first (2A), fourth (3A), seventh (4A),tenth (5A), thirteenth (6A), sixteenth (7A), nineteenth (8A) andtwenty-second (8E1) embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A to 2H, 3A to 3C, 4A to4D, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, and 8E1, respectively. In each such illustrativeembodiment of the present invention, the hand-supportable, body-wearableor desktop-supportable bar code symbol reading device (hereinafterreferred to as “hand-supportable bar code symbol reading device”)includes an automatically-activated bar code symbol scanning engine,embedded within the housing of the device. While hand-held,finger-supported, desktop-supported and body-wearable housings will bedisclosed hereinafter for the bar code symbol reading device of thepresent invention, the term “hand-supportable housing” as usedhereinafter and in the Claims to Invention shall be deemed to includeall such housing designs, as well as an infinite array of variations onthe form factors thereof. In general, any of the automatically-activatedlaser scanning bar code symbol reading engines shown in FIGS. 9A to 9D,10A to 10D, 11A, 13A and 14A can be embodied within the scanner housingof the bar code symbol reading device. In the illustrative embodiments,particular laser scanning engine designs have been incorporated into thescanner housing of the bar code symbol reading device for illustrativepurposes. It is understood, however, that other laser scanning enginedesigns can be integrated into the scanner housings of such bar codesymbol reading devices.

As indicated in FIG. 1A, the automatically-activated bar code symbolscanning device of the first general system design 1 comprises a numberof subsystems, namely: an IR-based object detection subsystem 2 astaught in prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,260,553 and 5,808,285, incorporatedherein by reference; a laser-based bar code symbol detection subsystem3; a laser-based bar code symbol reading subsystem 4; a datatransmission subsystem 5; a state indication subsystem 6; a datatransmission activation switch or control device 7A integrated with thescanner housing in part or whole; a mode-selection sensor 7B integratedwith the scanner housing in part or whole; and a system controlsubsystem 8 operably connected to the other subsystems described above.In general, system 1 has a number of preprogrammed operational states,namely: an Object Detection State; a Bar Code Symbol Detection State; aBar Code Symbol Reading State; and a Data Transmission State.

Within the context of the system design shown in FIG. 1A, the IR-basedobject detection subsystem 2 performs the following primary functionsduring the object detection state: (i) automatically and synchronouslytransmitting and receiving pulse infrared (IR) signals within anIR-based object detection field 9 defined relative to thehand-supportable scanner housing (not shown) (ii) automaticallydetecting an object in at least a portion of the IR-based objectdetection field 9 by analysis of the received IR pulse signals; and(iii) in response thereto, automatically generating a first controlactivation signal A₁ indicative of such automatic detection of theobject within the object detection field. As shown in FIG. 1A, the firstcontrol activation signal A₁=1 is provided to the system controlsubsystem 8 for detection, analysis and programmed response.

As shown in the figures hereof, object detection, bar code detection andbar code reading fields 9, 10 and 11, respectively, have beenschematically represented only in terms of their general geometricalboundaries. For purposes of clarity, the geometrical characteristics ofthese fields have not been shown. Notably, however, such characteristicscan be ascertained from the various references relating thereto whichare identified and incorporated herein by reference.

Within the context of the system design shown in FIG. 1A, thelaser-based bar code symbol detection subsystem 3 performs the followingprimary functions during the bar code symbol detection state: (i)automatically generating a visible laser scanning pattern ofpredetermined characteristics within the laser-based bar code (symbol)detection field 10, defined relative to the scanner housing (not shown),to enable scanning of a bar code symbol on the detected object; (ii)automatically processing scan data collected from the bar code symboldetection field 10 and detecting the presence of the bar code symbolthereon; and (iii) automatically generating a control activation signalA₂=1 indicative thereof in response to the automatic detection of thebar code symbol. As shown in FIG. 1A, the second control activationsignal A₂ is provided to the system control subsystem 8 for detection,analysis and programmed response.

Within the context of the system design shown in FIG. 1A, thelaser-based bar code symbol reading subsystem 4 performs the followingfunctions during the bar code symbol reading state: (i) automaticallygenerating a visible laser scanning pattern of predeterminedcharacteristics within the laser-based bar code (symbol) reading field11 defined relative to the scanner housing, to enable scanning of thedetected bar code symbol therein; (ii) automatically decode processingscan data collected from the bar code symbol reading field 11 so as todetect the bar code symbol on the object; (iii) automatically generatinga third control activation signal A₃=1 indicative of a successfuldecoding operation, and producing decoded symbol character datarepresentative of the detected and read bar code symbol. As shown inFIG. 1A, the third control activation signal A₃ is provided to thesystem control subsystem 8 for detection, analysis and programmedresponse.

Within the context of the system design shown in FIG. 1A, the datatransmission subsystem 5 during the Data Transmission Stateautomatically transmits produced symbol character data to the hostsystem (to which the bar code reading device is connected) or to someother data storage and/or processing device, only when the systemcontrol subsystem 8 detects the following conditions: (1) generation ofthird control activation signal A₃=1 within a predetermined time period,indicative that the bar code symbol has been read; and (ii) generationof data transmission activation control signal A₄=1 (e.g. produced frommanually-activatable switch 7A) within a predetermined time frame,indicative that the user desires the produced bar code symbol characterdata to be transmitted to the host system or intended device.

Within the context of the system design shown in FIG. 1A, thestate-selection sensor 7B has two primary functions: (i) toautomatically generate the fourth control activation signal A₄=1whenever the scanner housing has been placed within its support stand,or placed on a countertop or like surface in those instances where ithas been designed to do so, so that the system is automatically inducedinto its automatic hands-free mode of operation; and (ii) toautomatically generate the fourth control activation signal A₄=0whenever the scanner housing has been removed from its support stand, orlifted off of a countertop or like surface in those instances where ithas been designed to do so, so that the system is automatically inducedinto its automatic hands-on mode of operation. In the automatichands-free mode of operation, the mode-select sensor 7B effectivelyoverrides the data transmission switch 7A. In the automatic hands-onmode of operation, the data transmission switch 7A effectively overridesthe mode-select sensor 7B.

Within the context of the system design shown in FIG. 1A, the stateindication subsystem 6 performs the following functions: automaticallymonitors the state of operation of the system at each instant of time;and automatically produces visual indication (e.g. color-coded light)signals from the scanner housing designed to inform the user of thecurrent state of operation of the system (e.g. “blue” to indicate theobject detection state, “red” to indicate the bar code detection state,“yellow” to indicate the bar code reading state, and “green” to indicatethe symbol character data transmission state). As will be described ingreater detail hereinafter, such state indication signals provide theuser with visual feedback on the states of operation of the system,thereby improving the intuitiveness and facility of operation of thesystem in diverse application environments.

Within the context of the system design shown in FIG. 1A, the systemcontrol subsystem 8 performs the following primary functions: (i)automatically receiving control activation signals A₁, A₂, A₃ and A₄;(ii) automatically generating enable signals E₁, E₂, E₃, E₄, E₅, E₆, andE₇; and (iii) automatically controlling the operation of the othersubsystems in accordance with a system control program carried out bythe system control subsystem 8 during the various modes of systemoperation.

In general, the geometrical and optical characteristics of laserscanning patterns generated by the laser-based bar code symbol detectionsubsystem 3 and the laser-based bar code symbol reading subsystem 4 willdepend on each particular embodiment of the bar code symbol readingsystem of the present invention. In most applications, the laserscanning patterns generated within the bar code detection and readingfields will be substantially congruent, and if not substantiallycongruent, then arranged so that the bar code symbol reading field 11spatially-overlaps the bar code symbol detection field 10 to improve thescanning efficiency of the system. Also, the IR-based object detectionfield 9 will be arranged relative to the bar code detection field 10 sothat it spatially-encompasses the same along the operative scanningrange of the system defined by the geometrical characteristics of thebar code reading field 11 thereof.

In general, detected energy reflected from an object during objectdetection can be optical radiation or acoustical energy, either sensibleor non-sensible by the user, and may be either generated from theautomatic bar code reading device or an external ambient source.However, the provision of such energy is preferably achieved bytransmitting a wide beam of pulsed infrared (IR) light away fromtransmission aperture of the scanner, as taught herein. In the preferredembodiment, the object detection field 9, from which such reflectedenergy is collected, is designed to have a narrowly divergingpencil-like geometry of three-dimensional volumetric expanse, which isspatially coincident with at least a portion of the transmitted infraredlight beam. This feature of the present invention ensures that an objectresiding within the object detection field 9 will be illuminated by theinfrared light beam, and that infrared light reflected therefrom will bedirected generally towards the transmission aperture of the housingwhere it can be automatically detected to indicate the presence of theobject within the object detection field 9.

Initially, system control subsystem 8 provides enable signal E₁=1 to theIR-based object detection subsystem 2. When an object is presentedwithin the IR-based object detection field 9, the object isautomatically detected by the IR-based object detection subsystem 2. Inresponse thereto, the IR-based object detection system automaticallygenerates a control activation signal A₁=1. When control activationsignal A₁=1 is detected by the system control subsystem 8, itautomatically activates the laser-based bar code symbol detectionsubsystem 3 by producing enable signal E₂. This causes the laser-basedbar code detection subsystem 3 to generate a laser scanning pattern ofpredetermined characteristics within the laser-based bar code detectionfield 10. When the laser scanning pattern scans a bar code symbol on thedetected object, scan data signals are produced therefrom, collected,detected and processed to determine whether a bar code symbol has beenscanned within the bar code symbol detection field 10. If the scannedbar code symbol is detected, then the system control subsystem 8automatically generates enable signal E₃ and E₄ so as to activate thebar code symbol reading subsystem 4. In response thereto, thelaser-based bar code reading subsystem 4 automatically generates a laserscanning pattern within the laser-based bar code reading field 11, scansthe detected bar code symbol disposed therewithin, collects scan datatherefrom, decodes the detected bar code symbol, generates symbolcharacter data representative of the decoded bar code symbol, andbuffers the symbol character data in memory. If the detected bar codesymbol is read within a predetermined period of time, and themanually-activated data transmission switch 7A is depressed within apredetermined time frame established by the system control subsystem 8,then the system control subsystem 8 automatically activates the datatransmission subsystem 5. In response thereto, the data transmissionsubsystem 5 automatically transmits the produced/buffered symbolcharacter data to the host system (to which the bar code symbol readeris connected), a data storage buffer (e.g. disposed in a portable datacollection device connected to the bar code symbol reader), or otherdata storage/processing device.

By virtue of the novel system control architecture, the user ispermitted to read bar code symbols in a highly intuitive manner, whereinobject detection, bar code detection, and bar code symbol reading arecarried out in an automatic manner while data transmission of decodedsymbol character data to the host device is enabled by manual-activationof a switch, button or like device located on the exterior of thehand-supportable scanner housing. In the preferred embodiment, a visualstate indicator is provided on the scanner housing for visuallyindicating that a bar code symbol has been successfully read in afully-automatic manner, and that the system is ready for datatransmission enablement to the host system or like device. When thevisual indicator indicates that a bar code symbol is being read anddecoded symbol character data is being generated, the user need onlydepress the data transmission activation switch on the scanner housingto send subsequently produced symbol character data to the host systemor like device. Failure to depress the data transmission switch 7Awithin the preallotted time frame during automatic bar code symbolreading results in there not being any symbol character datatransmission to the host system.

The structure and functionalities of the first general system design ofFIG. 1A described above are shown in greater detail in the systemembodiment of FIGS. 15A1 through 16, and FIGS. 20A1 through 21. In thissystem embodiment, the IR-based object detection subsystem 2 is realizedfrom various electro-optical and electro-mechanical components assembledtogether as shown in FIGS. 15A1 through 15A4, so as to enable automaticdetection of objects within the IR-based object detection field 9 of thesystem. Likewise, the laser-based bar code symbol detection subsystem 3is realized from various electro-optical and electro-mechanicalcomponents assembled together as shown in FIG. 15A 1 to 15A4, so as toenable automatic detection of bar code symbols on detected objectswithin the laser-based bar code detection field of the system. Also, thelaser-based bar code symbol reading subsystem 4 is realized from variouselectro-optical and electro-mechanical components assembled together soas to enable automatic reading of detected bar code symbols within thelaser-based bar code reading field 11 of the system. As will bedescribed in greater detail hereinafter, this system embodiment requiresa complex control subsystem architecture, but offers a significantimprovement in power conservation which can be very important inportable and mobile data acquisition applications.

Second Generalized System Design For The Automatically-Activated BarCode Symbol Reading Device Of The Present Invention

The second generalized system design of the present invention is shownin FIG. 1B. Eight illustrative embodiments of this second generalizedsystem design are represented by the second, fifth, eighth, eleventh,fourteenth, seventeenth, twentieth and twenty-third embodiments shown inFIGS. 2I, 3D, 4E, 5B, 6B, 7B, 8B, and 8F, respectively. In each suchillustrative embodiment of the present invention, the hand-supportable,body-wearable or desktop-supportable bar code symbol reading deviceincludes an automatically-activated bar code symbol scanning engine,embedded within the scanner housing. In general, any of theautomatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading enginesshown in FIGS. 9E, 10E, 11B, 13B and 14B can be embodied within thescanner housing of the bar code symbol reading device. In theillustrative embodiments, particular laser scanning engine designs havebeen incorporated into the scanner housing of the bar code symbolreading device for illustrative purposes. It is understood, however,that other laser scanning engine designs can be integrated into thescanner housings of such bar code symbol reading devices.

As indicated in FIG. 1B, the automatically-activated bar code symbolscanning engine of the second general system design 15 comprises anumber of subsystems, namely: a laser-based object detection subsystem16 as taught in prior U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,933,538 to Heiman, et al.,incorporated herein by reference; a laser-based bar code symboldetection subsystem 17; a laser-based bar code symbol reading subsystem18; a data transmission subsystem 19; a state indication subsystem 20;and a data transmission activation switch or control device 21Aintegrated with the scanner housing in part or whole; a mode-selectionsensor 21B integrated with the scanner housing it part or whole; and asystem control subsystem 22 operably connected to the other subsystemsdescribed above. In general, system 15 has a number of preprogrammedstates of operation, namely: an Object Detection State; a Bar codeSymbol Detection State; a Bar code Symbol Reading State; and a DataTransmission State.

Within the context of the system design shown in FIG. 1B, thelaser-based object detection subsystem 16 performs the following primaryfunctions: (i) automatically generates and scans a low-power pulsed(invisible) laser scanning beam across an object within a laser-basedobject detection field 23 defined relative to the hand-supportablescanner housing (not shown); (ii) automatically detects an object in atleast a portion of the laser-based object detection field by analysis ofcollected scan data; and (iii) in response thereto, automaticallygenerating a first control activation signal A₁ indicative of suchautomatic detection of the object within the object detection field 23.As shown in FIG. 1B, the first control activation signal A₁ is providedto the system control subsystem 22 for detection, analysis andprogrammed response.

Within the context of the system design shown in FIG. 1B, thelaser-based bar code symbol detection subsystem 17 performs thefollowing primary functions during the Bar Code Symbol Detection State:(i) automatically generating a laser scanning pattern of predeterminedcharacteristics within the laser-based bar code (symbol) detection field24, defined relative to the scanner housing, to enable scanning of a barcode symbol on the detected object; (ii) automatically processing scandata collected from the bar code symbol detection field 24 and detectingthe presence of the bar code symbol thereon; and (iii) automaticallygenerating a control activation signal A₂ indicative thereof in responseto the automatic detection of the bar code symbol. As shown in FIG. 1B,the second control activation signal A₂ is provided to the systemcontrol subsystem 22 for detection, analysis and programmed response.

Within the context of the system design shown in FIG. 1B, thelaser-based bar code symbol reading subsystem 18 performs the followingfunctions during the Bar Code Symbol State: (i) automatically generatinga visible laser scanning pattern of predetermined characteristics withinthe laser-based bar code (symbol) reading field 25 defined relative tothe scanner housing, to enable scanning of the detected bar code symboltherein; (ii) automatically decode processing scan data collected fromthe bar code symbol reading field 25 so as to detect the bar code symbolon the detected object; (iii) automatically generating a third controlactivation signal A₃=1 indicative of a successful decoding operation,and producing decoded symbol character data representative of thedetected and read bar code symbol. As shown in FIG. 1B, the thirdcontrol activation signal A₃ is provided to the system control subsystem22 for detection, analysis and programmed response.

As shown in the figures hereof, object detection, bar code detection andbar code reading fields 23, 24 and 25, respectively, have beenschematically represented only in terms of their general geometricalboundaries. For purposes of clarity, the geometrical characteristics ofthese fields have not been shown. Notably, however, such characteristicscan be ascertained from the various references relating thereto whichare identified and incorporated herein by reference.

Within the context of the system design shown in FIG. 1B, the datatransmission subsystem 19 during the Data Transmission State,automatically transmits produced symbol character data to the hostsystem (to which the bar code reading device is connected) or to someother data storage and/or processing device, only when the systemcontrol subsystem detects at least the following conditions: (1)generation of third control activation signal A₃=1 within apredetermined time period, indicative that the bar code symbol has beenread; and (ii) generation of data transmission control activation signalA₄=1 (e.g. produced from manually-activatable switch 21A) within apredetermined time frame, indicative that user desires the produced barcode symbol character data to be transmitted to the host system orintended device.

Within the context of the system design shown in FIG. 1B, thestate-selection sensor 21B has two primary functions: (i) toautomatically generate the fourth control activation signal A₄=1whenever the scanner housing has been placed within its support stand,or placed on a countertop or like surface in those instances where ithas been designed to do so, so that the system is automatically inducedinto its automatic hands-free mode of operation; and (ii) toautomatically generate the fourth control activation signal A₄=0whenever the scanner housing has been removed from its support stand, orlifted off of a countertop or like surface in those instances where ithas been designed to do so, so that the system is automatically inducedinto its automatic hands-on mode of operation. In the automatichands-free mode of operation, the mode-select sensor 21B effectivelyoverrides the data transmission switch 21A. In the automatic hands-onmode of operation, the data transmission switch 21A effectivelyoverrides the mode-select sensor 21B.

Within the context of the system design shown in FIG. 1B, the stateindication subsystem 20 performs the following functions: automaticallymonitor the state of operation of the system at each instant of time;and automatically produce visual indication (e.g. color-coded light)signals from the scanner housing designed to inform the user of thecurrent state of operation of the system (e.g. “blue” to indicate theobject detection state, “red” to indicate the bar code detection state,“yellow” to indicate the bar code reading state, and “green” to indicatethe symbol character data transmission state). As will be described ingreater detail hereinafter, such state indication signals provide theuser with visual feedback on the states of operation of the system,thereby improving the intuitiveness and facility of operation of thesystem in diverse application environments.

Within the context of the system design shown in FIG. 1B, the systemcontrol subsystem 22 performs the following primary functions: (i)automatically receiving control activation signals A₁, A₂, A₃ and A₄;(ii) automatically generating enable signals E₁, E₂, E₃, E₄, E₅, E₆, andE₇; and (iii) automatically controlling the operation of the othersubsystems in accordance with a system control program carried out bythe system control subsystem 22 during the various modes of systemoperation.

In general, the geometrical and optical characteristics of laserscanning patterns generated by the laser-based bar code symbol detectionsubsystem 17 and the laser-based bar code symbol reading subsystem 18will depend on each particular embodiment of the bar code symbol readingsystem of the present invention. In most applications, the laserscanning patterns generated within the bar code detection and readingfields will be substantially congruent, and if not substantiallycongruent, then arranged so that the bar code symbol reading fieldspatially-overlaps the bar code symbol detection field to improve thescanning efficiency of the system. Also, the laser-based objectdetection field will be arranged relative to the bar code detectionfield so that it spatially-encompasses the same along the operativescanning range of the system defined by the geometrical characteristicsof the bar code reading field thereof.

Initially, system control subsystem 22 provides enable signal E₁=1 tothe laser-based object detection subsystem 16. When an object ispresented within the laser-based object detection field 23, the objectis automatically detected by the laser-based object detection subsystem16. In response thereto, the laser-based object detection system 16automatically generates a control activation signal A₁=1. When controlactivation signal A₁=1 is detected by the control system subsystem 22,the system control subsystem automatically activates the laser-based barcode symbol detection subsystem 17 by producing enable signal E₂. Thiscauses the laser-based bar code detection subsystem 17 to generate avisible laser scanning pattern of predetermined characteristics withinthe laser-based bar code detection field 24. When the laser scanningpattern scans a bar code symbol on the detected object, scan datasignals are produced therefrom, collected, detected and processed todetermine whether a bar code symbol has been detected within the barcode symbol detection field 24. If the scanned bar code symbol isdetected, then the system control subsystem 22 automatically generatesenable signal E₃ and E₄ so as to activate the bar code symbol readingsubsystem 18. In response thereto, the laser-based bar code readingsubsystem 18 automatically generates a visible laser scanning patternwithin the laser-based bar code reading field 25, scans the detected barcode symbol disposed therewithin, collects scan data therefrom, decodesthe detected bar code symbol, generates symbol character datarepresentative of the decoded bar code symbol, and buffers the symbolcharacter data in memory. If the detected bar code symbol is read withina predetermined period of time, and the manually-activated datatransmission switch 21A is depressed within a predetermined time frame,then the system control subsystem 22 automatically activates the datatransmission subsystem 19. In response thereto, the data transmissionsubsystem 19 automatically transmits the produced/buffered symbolcharacter data to the host system (to which the bar code symbol readeris connected), a data storage buffer (e.g. disposed in a portable datacollection device connected to the bar code symbol reader), or otherdata storage/processing device.

By virtue of the novel system control architecture, the user ispermitted to read bar code symbols in a highly intuitive manner, whereinobject detection, bar code detection, and bar code symbol reading arecarried out in an automatic manner while data transmission of decodedsymbol character data to the host device is enabled by manual-activationof a switch, button or like device located on the exterior of thehand-supportable scanner housing. In the preferred embodiment, a visualindicator is provided on the scanner housing for visually indicatingthat a bar code symbol has been successfully read in a fully-automaticmanner, and that the system is ready for data transmission to the hostsystem or like device. When the visual indicator indicates that a barcode symbol is being read and decoded symbol character data is beinggenerated, the user need only depress the data transmission controlactivation switch 21A on the scanner housing to send subsequentlyproduced symbol character data to the host system or like device.

The structure and functionalities of the second general system design ofFIG. 1B described above is shown in greater detail in the systemembodiment of FIGS. 22A1 through 24, wherein a lower-power laser-basedobject detection subsystem is provided for automatic detection ofobjects within the object detection field of the system. Likewise, thelaser-based bar code symbol detection subsystem 17 is realized fromvarious electro-optical and electro-mechanical components assembledtogether as shown in FIGS. 22A1 through 22A4 so as to enable automaticdetection of bar code symbols on detected objects within the laser-basedbar code detection field of the system. Also, the laser-based bar codesymbol reading subsystem 18 is realized from various electro-optical andelectro-mechanical components assembled together as shown in FIGS. 22A1through 22A4 so as to enable automatic reading of detected bar codesymbols within the laser-based bar code reading field of the system. Aswill be described in greater detail hereinafter, this system designrequires a less complex control subsystem architecture, but does notenjoy the power conservation advantages of system designs employingIR-based object detection.

Third Generalized System Design For The Automatically-Activated Bar CodeSymbol Reading Device Of The Present Invention

The third generalized system design of the present invention is shown inFIG. 1C. Eight illustrative embodiments of this third generalized systemdesign are represented by the third, sixth, ninth, twelfth, fifteenth,eighteenth, twenty-first and twenty-fourth embodiments shown in FIGS.2J, 3E, 4F, 5C, 6C, 7C, 8C, and 8G, respectively. In each suchillustrative embodiment of the present invention, the hand-supportable,body-wearable or desktop-supportable bar code symbol reading deviceincludes an automatically-activated bar code symbol scanning engine,embedded within the scanner housing. In general, any of theautomatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading enginesshown in FIGS. 9F, 10F, 11C, 13C and 14C can be embodied within thescanner housing of the bar code symbol reading device. In theillustrative embodiments, particular laser scanning engine designs havebeen incorporated into the scanner housing of the bar code symbolreading device for illustrative purposes. It is understood, however,that other laser scanning engine designs can be integrated into thescanner housings of such bar code symbol reading devices.

As indicated in FIG. 1C, the automatically-activated bar code symbolscanning engine of the third general system design 30 comprises a numberof subsystems, namely: a laser-based bar code symbol detection subsystem31; a laser-based bar code symbol reading subsystem 32; a datatransmission subsystem 33; a state indication subsystem 34; a datatransmission activation switch or control device 35A integrated with thescanner housing (not shown) in part or whole; a mode-selection sensor35B integrated with the scanner housing it part or whole; and a systemcontrol subsystem 36 operably connected to the other subsystemsdescribed above. In general, the system 30 has a number of preprogrammedstates of operation, namely: a Bar Code Symbol Detection State; a Barcode Symbol Reading State; and a Data Transmission State.

Within the context of the system design shown in FIG. 1C, thelaser-based bar code symbol detection subsystem 31 performs thefollowing primary functions during the Bar Code Symbol Detection State:(i) automatically generates a pulsed visible laser scanning pattern ofpredetermined characteristics within a laser-based bar code (symbol)detection field 37, defined relative to the scanner housing, to enablescanning of a bar code symbol on the detected object; (ii) automaticallyprocesses scan data collected from the bar code symbol detection field37 and detects the presence of the bar code symbol thereon; and (iii)automatically generates a control activation signal A₂=1 indicativethereof in response to the automatic detection of the bar code symbol.As shown in FIG. 1C, the second control activation signal A₂ is providedto the system control subsystem 36 for detection, analysis andprogrammed response.

Within the context of the system design shown in FIG. 1C, thelaser-based bar code symbol reading subsystem 32 performs the followingfunctions during the Bar Code Symbol Reading State: (i) automaticallygenerates a visible laser scanning pattern of predeterminedcharacteristics within a laser-based bar code (symbol) reading field 38defined relative to the scanner housing, to enable scanning of thedetected bar code symbol therein; (ii) automatically decode-processesscan data collected from the bar code symbol reading field 38 so as todetect the bar code symbol on the detected object; (iii) automaticallygenerates a third control activation signal A₃=1 indicative of asuccessful decoding operation, and produces decoded symbol characterdata representative of the detected and read bar code symbol. As shownin FIG. 1C, the third control activation signal A₃ is provided to thesystem control subsystem 36 for detection, analysis and programmedresponse.

Within the context of the system design shown in FIG. 1C, the datatransmission subsystem 33 during the Data Transmission Stateautomatically transmits produced symbol character data to the hostsystem (to which the bar code reading device is connected) or to someother data storage and/or processing device, only when the systemcontrol subsystem 36 detects the following conditions: (1) generation ofthird control activation signal A₃=1 within a predetermined time period,indicative that the bar code symbol has been read; and (ii) generationof data transmission control activation signal A₄=1 (e.g. produced frommanually-activatable switch 35A) within a predetermined time frame,indicative that user desires the produced bar code symbol character datato be transmitted to the host system or intended device.

Within the context of the system design shown in FIG. 1C, thestate-selection sensor 35B has two primary functions: (i) toautomatically generate the fourth control activation signal A₄=1whenever the scanner housing has been placed within its support stand,or placed on a countertop or like surface in those instances where ithas been designed to do so, so that the system is automatically inducedinto its automatic hands-free mode of operation; and (ii) toautomatically generate the fourth control activation signal A₄=0whenever the scanner housing has been removed from its support stand, orlifted off of a countertop or like surface in those instances where ithas been designed to do so, so that the system is automatically inducedinto its automatic hands-on mode of operation. In the automatichands-free mode of operation, the mode-select sensor 35B effectivelyoverrides the data transmission switch 35A. In the automatic hands-onmode of operation, the data transmission switch 35A effectivelyoverrides the mode-select sensor 35B.

Within the context of the system design shown in FIG. 1C, the stateindication subsystem 34 performs the following functions: automaticallymonitors the state of operation of the system at each instant of time;and automatically produces visual indication (e.g. color-coded light)signals from the scanner housing designed to inform the user of thecurrent state of operation of the system (e.g. “red” to indicate the barcode detection state, “yellow” to indicate the bar code reading state,and “green” to indicate the symbol character data transmission state).As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, such stateindication signals provide the user with visual feedback on the statesof operation of the system, thereby improving the intuitiveness andfacility of operation of the system in diverse application environments.

Within the context of the system design shown in FIG. 1C, the systemcontrol subsystem 36 performs the following primary functions: (i)automatically receiving control activation signals A₁, A₂, A₃ and A₄;(ii) automatically generating enable signals E₂, E₃, E₄, E₅, E₆, and E₇;and (iii) automatically controlling the operation of the othersubsystems in accordance with a system control program carried out bythe system control subsystem 36 during the various modes of systemoperation.

In general, the geometrical and optical characteristics of laserscanning patterns generated by the laser-based bar code symbol detectionsubsystem 31 and the laser-based bar code symbol reading subsystem 32will depend on each particular embodiment of the bar code symbol readingsystem of the present invention. In most applications, the laserscanning patterns generated within the bar code detection and readingfields will be substantially congruent, and if not substantiallycongruent, then arranged so that the bar code symbol reading fieldspatially-overlaps the bar code symbol detection field to improve thescanning efficiency of the system.

Initially, system control subsystem 36 provides enable signal E₂=1 tothe laser-based bar code detection subsystem 31. This causes thelaser-based bar code detection subsystem 31 to generate a pulsed laserscanning pattern of predetermined characteristics within the laser-basedbar code detection field 37. As shown in FIG. 26, the pulse-on durationof the laser signal is about 50%, while the pulse-off duration is alsoabout 50%. When the laser scanning pattern scans a bar code symbol onthe detected object, scan data signals are produced therefrom,collected, detected and processed to determine whether a bar code symbolhas been detected within the bar code symbol detection field 37. If thescanned bar code symbol is detected, then the system control subsystem36 automatically generates enable signal E₄=1 so as to activate the barcode symbol reading subsystem 32. In response thereto, the laser-basedbar code reading subsystem 32 automatically generates a visible laserscanning pattern within the laser-based bar code reading field 38, scansthe detected bar code symbol disposed therewithin, collects scan datatherefrom, decodes the detected bar code symbol, generates symbolcharacter data representative of the decoded bar code symbol, andbuffers the symbol character data in memory. If the detected bar codesymbol is read within a predetermined period of time, and themanually-actuated data transmission switch 35A is depressed within apredetermined time frame established by the system control subsystem 36,then the system control subsystem 36 automatically activates the datatransmission subsystem 33. In response thereto, the data transmissionsubsystem automatically transmits the produced/buffered symbol characterdata to the host system (to which the bar code symbol reader isconnected), a data storage buffer (e.g. disposed in a portable datacollection device connected to the bar code symbol reader), or otherdata storage/processing device.

By virtue of the novel system control architecture, the user ispermitted to read bar code symbols in a highly intuitive manner, whereinbar code detection and bar code symbol reading are carried out in anautomatic manner while data transmission of decoded symbol characterdata to the host device is enabled by manual-activation of a switch,button or like device located on the exterior of the hand-supportablescanner housing. In the preferred embodiment, a visual indicator isprovided on the scanner housing for visually indicating that a bar codesymbol has been successfully read in a fully-automatic manner, and thatthe system is ready for data transmission enablement to the host systemor like device. When the visual indicator indicates that a bar codesymbol is being read and decoded symbol character data is beinggenerated, the user need only depress the data transmission enablingswitch on the scanner housing to send the subsequently produced data tothe host system or like device.

The structure and functionalities of the third general system design ofFIG. 1C described above are shown in greater detail in the systemembodiment of FIGS. 25A through 28, wherein there is no provision forautomatic object detection within the system, but simply acontinuously-operating bar code symbol presence detection subsystem isprovided for automatic detection of bar codes within the scanning fieldof the system.

The laser-based bar code symbol detection subsystem 31 is realized fromvarious electro-optical and electro-mechanical components assembledtogether, as shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, so as to enable automaticdetection of bar code symbols on detected objects within the laser-basedbar code detection field of the system. Also, the laser-based bar codesymbol reading subsystem is realized from various electro-optical andelectro-mechanical components assembled together as shown in FIGS. 25Aand 25B, so as to enable automatic reading of detected bar code symbolswithin the laser-based bar code reading field of the system. As will bedescribed in greater detail hereinafter, this system design requires aneven simpler control subsystem architecture than system designsemploying automatic object detection. However, this system designrequires that a low-power (non-visible) laser beam be continuously orperiodically generated within the bar code symbol detection field duringsystem operation, thus consuming electrical power which can besignificant in portable and mobile scanning applications where batterypower is used.

While each of the three generalized bar code symbol reading systemsdescribed hereinabove can be connected to its base unit, host computer,data processor, data storage device, or like device by way of wireswrapped in a flexible cord-like structure, it will be preferred in manyembodiments to connect the bar code symbol reading system of the presentinvention to its base. unit, host computer, data processor or datastorage device or like device by way of wireless data communicationlink. In general, the wireless data communication link can be realizedin a variety of different ways, namely: using the two-way RFcommunication link of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,460,120;5,321,246 and 5,142,550 or using the one-way data transmission link asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,808,285 to Rockstein, et al; etc. Each ofthese US Patents are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

First Illustrative Embodiment Of Automatically-Activated Bar Code SymbolReading System Of The Present Invention

As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2H, the bar code symbol reading system of thefirst illustrative embodiment 40 comprises an automatically-activatedportable bar code symbol reading device 41 operably associated with abase unit 42 having a scanner support stand 43. Bar code symbol readingdevice 41 is operably connected with its the base unit 42 by way of aone-way or two-way electromagnetic link established between bar codesymbol reading device 41 and its mated base unit 42. After eachsuccessful reading of a bar code symbol by the bar code symbol readingdevice 41, symbol character data (representative of the read bar codesymbol) is generated, and if timely activated, then subsequentlyproduces symbol character data collected from the same read bar codesymbol which is automatically transmitted to the host device. Operableinterconnection between the base unit 42 and a host system (e.g.electronic cash register system, data collection device, etc.) 45 isachieved by a flexible multiwire communications cable 46 extending fromthe base unit and plugged directly into the said data-inputcommunications port of the host computer system 45.

In the illustrative embodiment, electrical power from a low voltagedirect current (DC) power supply (not shown) is provided to the baseunit by way of a flexible power cable 47. Notably, this DC power supplycan be realized in host computer system 45 or as a separate DC powersupply adapter pluggable into a conventional 3-prong electrical socket.As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, a rechargeablebattery power supply unit 55 is contained within bar code symbol readingdevice 41 in order to energize the electrical and electro-opticalcomponents within the device.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, scanner support stand 43 isparticularly adapted for receiving and supporting portable bar codesymbol reading device 41 in a selected position without user support,thus providing a stationary, automatic hands-free mode of operation. Ingeneral, portable bar code reading device 41 includes an ultra-lightweight hand-supportable housing 49 having a contoured head portion 49Aand a handle portion 49B. As will be described in greater detailhereinafter, head portion 49A encloses electro-optical components whichare used to generate and project a visible laser beam through lighttransmissive window 50 in housing head portion 49A, and to repeatedlyscan the projected laser beam across its bar code detecting scanningfield 10 and bar code reading field 11, both defined external to thehand-supportable housing.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the scanner support stand portion 43includes a support frame which comprises a base portion 51A, a headportion support structure 51B, handle portion support structure 51C anda finger accommodating recess 51D. As shown, base portion 51A has alongitudinal extent and is adapted for selective positioning withrespect to a support surface, e.g. countertop surface, counter wallsurface, etc. An aperture 51A1 is formed in the base portion 51A toallow an piezo-electric transducer 559 to generate acousticalacknowledgement signals therethrough upon successful data transmissionto the base unit. Head portion support structure 51B is connected tobase portion 51A, for receiving and supporting the head portion of barcode symbol reading device 41. Similarly, handle portion supportstructure 51C is connected to base portion 51A, for receiving andsupporting the handle portion of the code symbol reading device. Inorder that the user's hand can completely grasp the handle portion ofthe hand-supportable bar code reading device, (i.e. prior to removing itoff and away from the scanner support stand), finger-accommodatingrecess 51D is disposed between head and handle portion supportstructures 51B and 51C and base portion 51A of the support frame. Inthis way, finger-accommodating recess 51D is laterally accessible sothat when the head and handle portions 49A and 49B are received withinand supported by head portion support structure 51B and handle portionsupport structure 51C, respectively, the fingers of a user's hand can beeasily inserted through finger accommodating recess 51D and completelyencircle the handle portion of the hand-supportable device.

As shown in FIG. 2E, bar code symbol reading device 41 includes amode-selector sensor 800 (e.g. electronic of electrical/mechanicalsensor) located on the end portion of the hand-supportable housing. Whenthe housing is placed in its stand, the mode select sensor 800automatically senses the stand (or countertop surface) and generates adata transmission control activation signal A₄=1, which overrides thedata transmission activation switch 44 on the housing during thehands-free mode of operation when the bar code symbol reading device ispicked up out of the housing, the mode-select sensor 800 generates A₄=0,which is overridden by the date transmission activation switch 44 in thehands-on mode of operation.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2E in particular, head portion 49A continuouslyextends into contoured handle portion 49B at an obtuse angle which, inthe illustrative embodiment, is about 146 degrees. It is understood,however, that in other embodiments the obtuse angle may be in the rangeof about 135 to about 180 degrees. As this ergonomic housing design issculptured (i.e. form-fitted) to the human hand, automatic hands-onscanning is rendered as easy and effortless as waving one's hand.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A through 2D, the head portion of housing 49Ahas a light transmission aperture 50 formed in upper portion of thefront panel 52A, to permit visible laser light to exit and enter thehousing, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. The lowerportion of front panel 52B is optically opaque, as are all othersurfaces of the hand supportable housing.

As best shown in FIGS. 2E and 2F, an automatically-activatedlaser-scanning bar code symbol reading engine 53 is securely mountedwithin the head portion of hand-supportable housing 49A, while a printedcircuit (PC) board 54 and a rechargeable battery supply unit 55 aremounted within the handle portion of the hand-supportable housingportion 49B. A data packet transmission circuit 56 is realized on PCboard 54 in housing 49B and is operably connected to bar code symbolreading engine 53 contained therein by way of a first flexible wireharness 57. Electrical power is supplied from rechargeable battery 55 tothe data packet transmission circuit 56 and the bar code symbol readingengine 53 by way of a second flexible wire harness 58. As shown, atransmitting antenna 59 is operably connected to the data packettransmission circuit 56 on PC board 54 and is mounted withinhand-supportable housing portion 49B for transmission of a data packetmodulated RF carrier signal to a base unit associated with the automaticbar code symbol reading device. The structure and the functionalities ofthe different types of automatic bar code symbol reading engines thatcan be incorporated into the device of FIG. 2A will be described ingreater detail hereinafter.

In general, any of the bar code symbol reading engines disclosed inFIGS. 9A through 9D, 10A through 10D, 11A, 13A, and 14A can beincorporated within the hand-supportable housing of the bar code symbolreading system 40 shown in FIGS. 2A through 2H, with little or nomodifications to the form factor thereof. When incorporated into thehand-supportable housing 49 as shown, each of these laser scanningengines, indicated by reference numeral 53 in FIGS. 2A-2H, will enablethe automatic generation of: an IR-based object detection field 9projected along the longitudinal scanning axis 60 of the device housingin response to the powering-up of the engine; a laser-based bar codesymbol detection field 10, in response to automatic detection of objectswithin the IR-based object detection field 9; and a laser-based bar codesymbol reading field 11 in response to automatic detection of bar codesymbols within the laser-based bar code symbol detection field 10consistent with the structure and functions depicted in the schematicdiagram of FIG. 1A. During system operations, the system states arevisually indicated by the state indicator light strip 61 mounted on theexterior of the scanner housing, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2H. As will bedescribed in greater detail hereinafter, laser scanning bar code symbolreading engine 53 has a similar system architecture schematicallyillustrated in FIGS. 15 through 19. The system control processunderlying this generalized system design is illustrated in the flowchart set forth in FIGS. 20A1 through 20E. The states of operation ofthis generalized system design are described in the state transitiondiagram of FIG. 21.

Second Illustrative Embodiment Of Automatically-Activated Bar CodeSymbol Reading System Of The Present Invention

In FIG. 2I, the second illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system hereof 40′ isshown comprising a hand-supportable automatically-activated bar codesymbol reading device 41′ and a base unit 42 in communication therewithachieved using a one-way or two way data communication link 63. Asshown, this automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system 40′is similar to bar code symbol reading system 40 shown in FIGS. 2Athrough 2H, in all but a few respects. In particular, the bar codesymbol reading device of FIG. 2I may incorporate within itshand-supportable housing 49, any of the laser scanning engines disclosedin FIGS. 9E, 10E, 11B, 13B, and 14B, with little or no modifications tothe form factor thereof. When incorporated into hand-supportable housing49 as shown in FIG. 2I, each of these laser scanning engines indicatedby reference numeral 53′, will enable automatic generation of: alow-power laser-based object detection field 23 in response to thepowering-up of the laser scanning engine; a laser-based bar code symboldetection field 24 generated in response to automatic object detectionwithin the laser-based object detection field 23; and a laser-based barcode symbol reading field 25 generated in response to automatic bar codesymbol detection within the laser-based bar code symbol detection field24 consistent with the structure and functions depicted in the schematicdiagram of FIG. 1B. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter,each of these laser scanning bar code symbol reading engines have thesame general system architecture schematically illustrated in FIGS. 22A1through 22C. The system control process underlying this generalizedsystem design is illustrated in the flow chart set forth in FIGS. 23A1through 23E. The states of operation of this generalized system designare described in the state transition diagram of FIG. 24.

Third Illustrative Embodiment Of Automatically-Activated Bar Code SymbolReading System Of The Present Invention

In FIG. 2J, the third illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system hereof 40″ isshown comprising a hand-supportable automatically-activated bar codesymbol reading device 41″ and a base unit in communication therewithachieved using a one-way or two way data communication link 63. Asshown, this automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system 40″is similar to the bar code symbol reading system 40 shown in FIGS. 2Athrough 2H, in all but a few respects. In particular, any of the laserscanning engines disclosed in FIGS. 9F, 10F, 11C, 13C, and 14C can beincorporated into the bar code symbol reading device of FIG. 2J, withlittle or no modifications to the form factor thereof.

When incorporated into hand-supportable housing 49 each of these laserscanning engines indicated by 53″ in FIG. 2J, will enable automaticgeneration of: a laser-based bar code symbol detection field 37 inresponse to the powering-up of the laser scanning engine, and alaser-based bar code symbol reading field 38 in response to automaticbar code symbol detection within the laser-based bar code symboldetection field 37, consistent with the structures and functionsdepicted in the schematic diagram of FIG. 1C. In this illustrativeembodiment, there is no form of automatic object detection provided withthe bar code symbol reading device 41″, as it is presumed that the barcode symbol reading device is not to be used in portable scanningapplications, remote from its base unit or host system, but rather istethered to its host system (e.g. cash register/computer) by way of aflexible cord carrying both data and power lines between the bar codesymbol reading device and the host computer. As will be described ingreater detail hereinafter, each of these laser scanning bar code symbolreading engines have the same general system architecture schematicallyillustrated in FIGS. 25A through 26. The system control processunderlying this generalized system design is illustrated in the flowchart set forth in FIGS. 27A through 27C. The states of operation ofthis generalized system design are described in the state transitiondiagram of FIG. 28.

Fourth Illustrative Embodiment Of Automatically-Activated Bar CodeSymbol Reading System Of The Present Invention

In FIGS. 3A to 3C, the fourth illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system hereof 64 isshown comprising: a wrist-mounted automatically-activated bar codesymbol reading device 65 including a wrist-mountable housing having ahead portion 66A with a light transmission window 67, and a tail portion66B that is hingedly connected to the head portion 66A by way of a hingemechanism 68. As shown, housing tail portion 66B is mountable to thewrist of its user by way of a wrist band or strap 69 that may be madefrom one or more different types of material. Also, an elastic gasket 70is disposed about the physical interface of the housing head portion 66Aand the housing tail portion 66B in order to seal off the housinginterior from environmental debris, such as dust, moisture and the like.

As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, an automatically-activated bar code symbolreading engine 53 is mounted within the head portion of the housing 66A,whereas a small PC board 71 and a miniature rechargeable battery supplyunit 72 are mounted within the tail portion of the housing 66B. The datapacket transmission circuit used in the bar code symbol reading system65 is realized on PC board 71, shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C. Electricalpower is provided from the battery supply unit 72 to PC board 71 by wayof a first flexible wire harness 74, and from PC board 71 to bar codesymbol reading engine 53 by way of a second flexible wire harness 75, asshown.

In order to selectively produce a data transmission control activationsignal from bar code symbol reading engine 53, a rotatable-type datatransmission (activation) switch 68A associated with hinge mechanism 68is connected in series with the electrical power lines extending alongthe second wire harness 75. In this way, when housing head portion 66Aand housing tail portion 66B are both configured to extend in the sameplane as shown in FIG. 3A, data transmission switch 68A is closed andelectrical power is permitted to flow so as to produce a datatransmission control activation signal (i.e. A₄=1) for supply tocircuitry within the bar code symbol reading engine 53. When the housinghead portion and housing tail portion are configured in slightlydifferent planes, as shown in FIG. 3C, then data transmission switch 68Ais opened and the data transmission control activation signal (A₄=1) isnot produced and provides circuitry within the bar code symbol readingengine.

As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, after the bar codesymbol reading device automatically reads a bar code symbol, andgenerates symbol character data representative thereof and driving thebar code read state indicator light, the user of the device is provideda time frame in which to manually activate the data transmission switch68A and enable the transmission of subsequently produced symbolcharacter from the read bar code symbol, to the host system.

In general, bar code symbol reading device 65 can be used in conjunctionwith any one of the base units of the present invention. However, in thepreferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, bar code symbol reading device 65is used in conjunction with a portable computer system 77 i.e. the hostcomputer systems, equipped with PCMCIA-card base unit 78, as well aswith a hand-held portable data collection device 79. As will bedescribed in greater detail hereinafter, both the PCMCIA-card base unit78 as well as the data collection device 79 are capable of receivingdata packets transmitted from device 65 upon the successful reading ofeach bar code symbol. The method of data packet transmission andreception between bar code symbol reading device 65 and base units 78and 79 will be described in detail hereinafter.

In general, any of the laser scanning bar code symbol reading enginesdisclosed in FIGS. 9A through 9D, 10A through 10D, 11A, 13A, and 14A canbe incorporated within the wrist-supportable housing 66A of the bar codesymbol reading system shown in FIGS. 3A through 3C, with little or nomodifications to the form factor thereof. When incorporated intowrist-supportable housing 66A as shown, each of these laser scanningengines, indicated by reference numeral 53 in FIGS. 3A-3C, will enablethe automatic generation of: an IR-based object detection field 9 inresponse to powering-up of the laser scanning engine; a laser-based barcode-symbol detection field 10 in response to automatic detection ofobjects within the IR-based object detection field 9; and a laser-basedbar code symbol reading field 11 in response to automatic detection ofbar code symbols within the laser-based bar code symbol detection field10, consistent with the structure and function depicted in the schematicdiagram of FIG. 1A. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter,each of these laser scanning bar code symbol reading engines have thesame general system architecture schematically illustrated in FIGS. 15A1through 16. The system control process underlying this generalizedsystem design is illustrated in the flow chart set forth in FIGS. 20A1through 20E. The states of operation of this generalized system designare described in the state transition diagram of FIG. 21.

Fifth Illustrative Embodiment Of Automatically-Activated Bar Code SymbolReading System Of The Present Invention

In FIG. 3D, the fifth illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system hereof 64′ isshown comprising a wrist-supportable automatically-activated bar codesymbol reading device 65′ and a portable base unit 77 and 79 incommunication therewith achieved using a one-way (or two way) datacommunication link as the application may require. As shown, thisautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system 64′ is similar tothe bar code symbol reading system 64 shown in FIGS. 3A through 3C, inall but a few respects. In particular, any of the laser scanning enginesdisclosed in FIGS. 9E, 10E, 11B, 13B, and 14B can be incorporated intothe hand-operated housing of the bar code reading device shown in FIG.3D, with little or no modifications to the form factor thereof.

When incorporated into wrist-supportable housing 66A as shown, each ofthese laser scanning engines, indicated by reference number 53′ in FIG.3D, enable automatic generation of: a low-power laser-based objectdetection field 23 in response to powering-up the laser scanning engine;a laser-based bar code symbol detection field 24 in response toautomatic object detection within the laser-based object detection field23; and a laser-based bar code symbol reading field 25 in response toautomatic bar code symbol detection within the laser-based bar codesymbol detection field 24, consistent with the structures and functiondepicted in the schematic illustration of FIG. 1B. As will be describedin greater detail hereinafter, each of these laser scanning bar codesymbol reading engines have the same general system architectureschematically illustrated in FIGS. 22A1 through 22C. The system controlprocess underlying this generalized system design is illustrated in theflow chart set forth in FIGS. 23A1 through 23E. The states of operationof this generalized system design are described in the state transitiondiagram of FIG. 24.

Sixth Illustrative Embodiment Of Automatically-Activated Bar Code SymbolReading System Of The Present Invention

In FIG. 3E, the sixth illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system hereof 64″ isshown comprising a wrist-supportable automatically-activated bar codesymbol reading device 65″ and a base unit 77 and 79 in communicationtherewith achieved using a one-way (or two way) data communication linkas the application demands. As shown, this automatically-activated barcode symbol reading system 64″ is similar to the bar code symbol readingsystem 64 shown in FIGS. 3A through 3C, in all but a few respects. Thebar code symbol reading device of FIG. 3E can incorporate within itshand-supportable housing 66A, any of the laser scanning enginesdisclosed in FIGS. 9F, 10F, 11C, 13C, and 14C, with little or nomodification to the form factor thereof. When incorporated intohand-supportable housing 66A as shown, each of these laser scanningengines, indicated by reference number 53″ in FIG. 3F, enable automaticgeneration of: a laser-based bar code symbol detection field 37 inresponse to powering-up of the laser scanning engine; and a laser-basedbar code symbol reading field 37 in response to automatic bar codesymbol detection within the laser-based bar code symbol detection field37, consistent with the schematic diagram of FIG. 1C.

In this illustrative embodiment, there is no form of automatic objectdetection provided with the bar code symbol reading device 65″, as it ispresumed that the bar code symbol reading device is not to be used inportable scanning applications, remote from its base unit host system(e.g. cash register/computer), but rather is tethered to its host systemby way of a flexible cord carrying both data and power lines between thebar code symbol reading device and the host computer.

As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, each of the laserscanning bar code symbol reading engines shown in FIGS. 9F, 10F, 11C,13C and 14C have the same general system architecture schematicallyillustrated in FIGS. 25A through 26. The system control processunderlying this generalized system design is illustrated in the flowchart set forth in FIGS. 27A through 27C. The states of operation ofthis generalized system design are described in the state transitiondiagram of FIG. 28.

Seventh Illustrative Embodiment Of Automatically-Activated Bar CodeSymbol Reading System Of The Present Invention

In FIGS. 4A through 4D, the seventh illustrative embodiment of the barcode symbol reading system hereof 80 comprises: a hand/desktopsupportable laser scanning bar code symbol reading device 81 having acompact hand-supportable housing 82 with a planar support surface 82Adesigned for sliding freely over a bar code symbol 83 printed on a sheetof paper disposed on a desktop or like surface; and a base unit 84 incommunication therewith achieved using a one-way or two way datacommunication link; a bar code symbol printing engine 85 operablyconnected to the base unit 84. As shown, system 80 is interfaced with ahost computer system (e.g. desk-top computer) 86 by way of a serial datacommunications cable 87 known in the art.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, an electrical power signal is provided tothe base unit 84 by way of power cable 88, and is supplied to a primarytransformer 89, by way of PC board 90 and wires 91. The function ofprimary transformer (inductive coil) 89 is to inductively transferelectrical power to a rechargeable battery 92 contained within thecompact housing of the bar code reading device 81 when the base portionthereof is placed within matched recess 93 formed in the top portion ofthe housing of the base unit. Bar code symbol printing engine 85 isprovided so that the user can easily print bar code symbols on adhesivelabels or the like, as desired, using a conventional bar codeapplication program executed by the processor in the host computersystem and a suitable print driver program executed by the processorwithin the base unit. The internal structure and functionalities of baseunit 84 will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the compact housing 82 of bar code symbol readingdevice 81 has a wedge-like geometry when observed from its side view andan oval-like geometry when observed along its plan view. As shown inFIGS. 4A to 4D, a large eccentrically located “viewing aperture” 94 isformed through the entire housing of the device. As best illustrated inFIG. 4D, the function of the viewing aperture is to permit the user toencircle a bar code symbol 83 within the viewing aperture while the barcode symbol is being viewed along the line of sight of the user as shownin FIG. 4D. As shown in FIG. 4B, bar code symbol reading device 81 isdisposed at an angle of about 45 to 60 degrees from the planar base 82Aof the housing. A PC board 95 supporting a data packet transmissioncircuit and the like is disposed below the engine 53 and aboverechargeable battery unit 92. As such, the laser scanning plane 96projected from light transmission window 97 in housing 82 (during barcode symbol detection and reading states of operation) bisects the ovalopening 98 formed through the base of the housing, as shown in FIG. 4C.This permits the user to easily align the visible laser beam across thebar code symbol 83 encircled within and along the viewing aperture 94 ofthe bar code symbol reading device. Thus, to read a bar code symbol, allthe user has to do is encircle the bar code symbol to be read throughthe viewing aperture, align the projected visible laser beam with theencircled bar code symbol, and automatically the bar code symbol isdetected, scanned, and decoded by the bar code symbol reading engine 53,thereby producing bar code symbol data representative of the decodedsymbol and driving the bar code symbol reading state indicator. If theuser manually actuates the data transmission activation switch 99provided on the exterior of the housing 82, then subsequently producedsymbol character data (from the same bar code symbol) is transmitted tothe host system 86 (e.g. via base unit 84). A set of state indicationlights 100, as illustrated in FIG. 2C, are provided at the top of thescanner housing 82 for viewing by the user of the device.

Preferably, a one-way data transmission link as described in U.S. Pat.No. 5,808,285 is provided between bar code symbol reading device 81 andbase unit 84. When the transmitted symbol character data is received bythe base unit 84 and retransmitted to the host computer system 86, anacoustical acknowledgement signal S_(ACK) is emitted to the ambientenvironment for the user to hear. Thereafter, the user may leave the barcode symbol reading device 81 to rest anywhere on the desktop, or mayplace it within recess 93 in base unit 84 in order to automaticallyrecharge the battery unit 92 within the bar code symbol reading device81.

In general, any of the laser scanning engines disclosed in FIGS. 9Athrough 9D, 10A through 10D, 11A, 13A, and 14A can be incorporatedwithin the desktop-supportable housing 82 of the bar code symbol readingsystem 80 shown in FIGS. 4A through 4D, with little or no modificationto the form factor thereof. When incorporated into wrist-supportablehousing 82 as shown, each of these laser scanning engines, indicated byreference numeral 53 in FIGS. 4A-4D, will enable the automaticgeneration of: an IR-based object detection field 9 in response topowering-up of the laser scanning engine; a laser-based bar code symboldetection field 10 in response to automatic detection of objects withinthe IR-based object detection field 9; and a laser-based bar code symbolreading field 11 in response to automatic detection of bar code symbolswithin the laser-based bar code symbol detection field 10, consistentwith the structure and function of the schematic diagram of FIG. 1A. Aswill be described in greater detail hereinafter, each of the laserscanning bar code symbol reading engines shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, 10A-10D,11A, 13A, and 14A have the same general system architectureschematically illustrated in FIGS. 15A1 through 16. The system controlprocess underlying this first generalized system design is illustratedin the flow chart set forth in FIGS. 20A1 through 20E. The states ofoperation of this generalized system design are described in the statetransition diagram of FIG. 21.

Eighth Illustrative Embodiment Of Automatically-Activated Bar CodeSymbol Reading System Of The Present Invention

In FIG. 4E, the eighth illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system hereof 80′ isshown comprising a hand/desktop-supportable automatically-activated barcode symbol reading device 81′ and a portable base unit 84 incommunication therewith achieved using a one-way or two way datacommunication link as the particular application requires. As shown,this automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system 80′ issimilar to the bar code symbol reading system 80 shown in FIGS. 4Athrough 4D, in all but a few respects. The bar code symbol readingdevice 81′ of FIG. 4E may incorporate within its hand-supportablehousing 82, any of the laser scanning engines disclosed in FIGS. 9E,10E, 11B, 13B, and 14B, with little or no modification to the formfactor thereof.

When incorporated into housing 82 as shown, each of the laser scanningengines shown in FIGS. 9E, 10E, 11B, 13B and 14B enable automaticgeneration of: a low-power laser-based object detection field 23 inresponse to powering-up of the laser scanning engine; a laser-based barcode symbol detection field 24 in response to automatic object detectionwithin the laser-based object detection field 23; and a laser-based barcode symbol reading field 25 in response to automatic bar code symboldetection within the laser-based bar code symbol detection field 24,consistent with the structure and functions depicted in the schematicdiagram of FIG. 1B.

As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, each of these laserscanning bar code symbol reading engines 53′ have the same generalsystem architecture schematically illustrated in. FIGS. 22A1 through22C. The system control process underlying this second generalizedsystem design is illustrated in the flow chart set forth in FIGS. 23A1through 23E. The states of operation of this generalized system designare described in the state transition diagram of FIG. 24.

Ninth Illustrative Embodiment Of Automatically-Activated Bar Code SymbolReading System Of The Present Invention

In FIG. 4F, the ninth illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system hereof 80″ isshown comprising a hand/desktop-supportable automatically-activated barcode symbol reading device 81″ and a base unit 84 in communicationtherewith achieved using a one-way or two way data communication link.As shown, this automatically- activated bar code symbol reading system80″ is similar to the bar code symbol reading system 80 shown in FIGS.3A through 3D, in all but a few ways. Also, the bar code symbol readingdevice of FIG. 4F can incorporate within its hand-supportable housing82, any of the laser scanning engines disclosed in FIGS. 9F, 10F, 11C,13C, and 14C, with little or no modification to the form factor thereof.

When incorporated into housing 82 as shown, each of the laser scanningengines shown in FIGS. 9F, 10F, 11C, 13C and 14C and indicated byreference numeral 53″ in FIG. 4F, enable automatic generation of: alaser-based bar code symbol detection field 37 in response topowering-up the laser scanning engine, and a laser-based bar code symbolreading field 38 in response to automatic bar code symbol detectionwithin the laser-based bar code symbol detection field 37, consistentwith the schematic diagram of FIG. 1C. In this illustrative embodiment,there is no form of automatic object detection provided with the barcode symbol reading device 81″, as it is presumed that the bar codesymbol reading device is not to be used in portable scanningapplications, remote from its base unit 84 or host systems (e.g. cashregister/computer), but rather is tethered to its host system by way ofa flexible cord carrying both data and power lines between the bar codesymbol reading device and the host computer, in lieu of the RFcommunication link schematically depicted in FIG. 4F.

As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, each of these laserscanning bar code symbol reading engines have the same general systemarchitecture schematically illustrated in FIGS. 25A and 26. The systemcontrol process underlying this third generalized system design isillustrated in the flow chart set forth in FIGS. 27A through 27C. Thestates of operation of this generalized system design are described inthe state transition diagram of FIG. 28

Tenth Illustrative Embodiment Of Automatically-Activated Bar Code SymbolReading System Of The Present Invention

In FIG. 5A, the tenth illustrative embodiment of the bar code symbolreading system hereof 105 comprising: a finger-supportable laserscanning bar code symbol reading device 106 having a miniaturefinger-supportable housing 107 with a break-away type finger mountingstructure 108, 109, disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,610,386, incorporatedherein by reference, for supporting housing 107 upon the finger of itsuser's hand; an arm-mounted computer terminal/base unit 110 adapted forsupport upon the arm of its user, and arranged in data communicationwith the finger-supportable bar code reading device 106 using a one-waydata communication link of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,808,285, and arranged in data communication with the stationary baseunit 11 using a two way serial data communication link. The arm-mountedcomputer-terminal 110 includes a touch-type display screen 112 for dataentry by pen (e.g. stylus) input operation, and an acoustical signalgenerator 113 for producing an acoustical acknowledgement signal S_(ACK)for the user to hear. The arm-mounted computer-terminal 110 includes anRF transceiver 114 for establishing two-way digital communication withan RF receiver 115 disposed in stationary base unit 111. The stationarybase unit 111 includes a serial data communications cable or othercommunication medium for establishing communication with thehost-computer system 116. In this embodiment, when symbol character datais automatically generated, the bar code symbol reading state indicatoris driven.

If the user manually activates either of the data transmissionactivation switches 120 on housing 107, then subsequently producedsymbol character data (from the same bar code symbol) is transmitted tothe arm-mounted computer terminal 110. When transmitted symbol characterdata is received by the arm-mounted computer-terminal 110 andretransmitted to the stationary base unit 111, an acousticalacknowledgement signal S_(ACK) is emitted to the ambient environment forthe user to hear. As shown, bar code symbol reading device 106 includesa set of state indicators 121 for optically signaling the various statesto the user.

In general, any of the laser scanning engines disclosed in FIGS. 9Athrough 9D, 10A through 10D, 11A, 13A, and 14A can be incorporatedwithin the finger-supportable housing 107 of the bar code symbol readingsystem shown in FIG. 5A, with little or no modifications to the formfactor thereof. When incorporated into finger-supportable housing 107 asshown, each of these laser scanning engines, indicated by referencenumeral 53, in FIG. 5A, will enable the automatic generation of: anIR-based object detection field 9 in response to powering-up the laserscanning engine; a laser-based bar code symbol detection field 10 inresponse to automatic detection of objects within the IR-based objectdetection field 9; and a laser-based bar code symbol reading field 11 inresponse to automatic detection of bar code symbols within thelaser-based bar code symbol detection field 10, consistent with thestructure and function depicted in the schematic diagram of FIG. 1A. Aswill be described in greater detail hereinafter, each of these laserscanning bar code symbol reading engines shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, 10A-10D,11A, 13A and 14A have the same general system architecture schematicallyillustrated in FIGS. 15A1 through 16. The system control processunderlying this generalized system design is illustrated in the flowchart set forth in FIGS. 20A1 through 20E. The states of operation ofthis generalized system design are described in the state transitiondiagram of FIG. 21.

Eleventh Illustrative Embodiment Of Automatically-Activated Bar CodeSymbol Reading System Of The Present Invention

In FIG. 5B, the eleventh illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system hereof 105′ isshown comprising: a finger-supportable laser scanning bar code symbolreading device 106′ having a miniature finger-supportable housing 107with a finger support structure 108, 109 particularly adapted forsupporting housing 107 upon the finger of its user's hand; anarm-mounted computer terminal/base unit 110 adapted for support upon thearm of its user, and arranged in data communication with thefinger-supportable bar code reading device 106′ using a one-way datacommunication link of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4.460,120 and5,321,246 and arranged in data communication with the stationary baseunit 111 using a two way serial data communication link.

As shown, this automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system105′ is similar to the bar code symbol reading system 105 shown in FIG.5A, in all but a few respects. The bar code symbol reading device ofFIG. 5B may incorporate within its hand-supportable housing 107, any ofthe laser scanning engines disclosed in FIGS. 9E, 10E, 11B, 13B, and14B, with little or no modifications to the form factor thereof. Whenincorporated into hand-supportable housing 107 as shown, each of theselaser scanning engines indicated by reference numeral 53′ of FIG. 5B,will enable automatic generation of: a low-power laser-based objectdetection field 23 in response to powering-up the laser scanning engine;a laser-based bar code symbol detection field 24 generated in responseto automatic object detection within the laser-based object detectionfield 23; and a laser-based bar code symbol reading field 25 generatedin response to automatic bar code symbol detection within thelaser-based bar code symbol detection field 24, consistent with thestructures and functions depicted in the schematic diagram of FIG. 1B.

As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, each of these laserscanning bar code symbol reading engines have the same general systemarchitecture schematically illustrated in FIGS. 22A1 through 22C. Thesystem control process underlying this generalized system design isillustrated in the flow chart set forth in FIGS. 23A1 through 23E. Thestates of operation of this generalized system design are described inthe state transition diagram of FIG. 24.

Twelfth Illustrative Embodiment Of Automatically-Activated Bar CodeSymbol Reading System Of The Present Invention

In FIG. 5C, the twelfth illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system hereof 105″ isshown comprising a finger-supportable automatically-activated bar codesymbol reading device 106″ and a base unit 110 in communicationtherewith achieved using a one-way data communication link as taught inU.S. Pat. No. 4,808,285, and a stationary base unit 111 in communicationwith base unit 110 by way of a 2-way RF communication link as taught inU.S. Pat. Nos. 4,460,120 and 5,321,246. As shown, thisautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system 105″ is similarto the bar code symbol reading system 105 shown in FIGS. 5A, in all buta few ways.

The bar code symbol reading device of FIG. 5C can incorporate within itshand-supportable housing 107, any of the laser scanning enginesdisclosed in FIGS. 9F, 10F, 11C, 13C, and 14C, with little or nomodification to the form factor thereof. In FIG. 5C, the laser scanningengine 53′ has the general form factor shown in FIGS. 9F and 10F so thatit can be installed directly within the head portion of the bar codesymbol reading device 106″ without requiring modification thereto. Whenincorporated into hand-supportable housing 107 as shown, each of thelaser scanning engines shown in FIGS. 9F, 10F, 11C, 13C and 14C enableautomatic generation of: a laser-based bar code symbol detection field37 for automatically detecting objects therewithin; and a laser-basedbar code symbol reading field 38 in response to automatic bar codesymbol detection within the laser-based bar code symbol detection field37, consistent with the schematic diagram of FIG. 1C.

In this illustrative embodiment, there is no form of automatic objectdetection provided with the bar code symbol reading device 106″, as itis presumed that the bar code symbol reading device is not to be used inportable scanning applications, remote from its base unit or host system(e.g. cash register/computer), but rather is tethered to its host systemby way of a flexible cord carrying both data and power lines between thebar code symbol reading device and the host computer, in lieu of RFcommunication link. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter,each of these laser scanning bar code symbol reading engines have thesame general system architecture schematically illustrated in FIGS. 25Athrough 26. The system control process underlying this generalizedsystem design is illustrated in the flow chart set forth in FIGS. 27Athrough 27C. The states of operation of this generalized system designare described in the state transition diagram of FIG. 28.

FIG. 5D shows a user 127 wearing the finger-supportedautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading device 106 (106′, 106″)of either FIGS. 5A, 5B or 5C. As shown, the arm-mounted computerterminal 10 is supported on the arm of the user and is arranged inone-way communication with the finger-supported bar code symbol readingdevice, and also in one-way or two-way communication with the stationarybase unit 111 described hereinabove. Optionally, as shown, the user canwear a head-mounted LCD panel 124 operably connected to the arm-mountedcomputer terminal 110 for displaying information and graphics displayedon the LCD panel 112 of the computer terminal 110 in a mirrored manner.Also, the user may use a microphone 125, supported by head set 126, forinputting information to the computer-terminal 110 using continuous ordiscrete speech recognition programs (e.g. by Dragon Systems, Inc., ofNewton, Mass.) running on its computing platform in a real-time manner.

In FIG. 5D, the operator 127 is shown using the bar code symbol readingdevice of FIG. 5A to carry out an inventory management operation. Whenthe user, wearing the finger-supported bar code symbol reading device106, points to a bar code symbol 128 printed on or applied to a package,the IR-based object detection field 9 automatically detects the objectand device automatically generates its laser-based bar code symboldetection field 10 for automatic bar code symbol detection. When thelaser-based bar code symbol detection field 10 automatically detects thebar code symbol on the detected object, the device automaticallygenerates its laser-based bar code symbol reading field 11 for automaticbar code symbol reading. When the laser-based bar code symbol readingfield 11 successfully reads the detected bar code symbol, then thedevice automatically generates a bar code symbol read indication signalfor driving the “bar code symbol read” state indicator. If, within theprespecified time frame allotted by the system, the operator manuallyactuates the data transmission activation switch 120 provided on theexterior of the finger-supported housing 107, then subsequently producedsymbol character data (from the same bar code symbol) is automaticallytransmitted to the computer-terminal 110, whereupon an acousticalacknowledgment signal is automatically generated. Thereafter, the symbolcharacter data is transmitted from computer terminal 110 to thestationary base unit 111 in a conventional manner. Notably, thefinger-supported bar code symbol reading device 106 can be used indiverse applications involving reading 1-D and 2-D bar code symbols.

Thirteenth Illustrative Embodiment Of Automatically-Activated Bar CodeSymbol Reading System Of The Present Invention

In FIG. 6A, the thirteenth illustrative embodiment of the bar codesymbol reading system hereof 130 is shown in the form of a hand-heldintegrated bar code symbol scanning terminal (“Integrated ScanningTerminal”) 131 embodying any one or more of the generalized Internetaccess methods described in copending application Ser. Nos. 08/846,219filed Apr. 25, 1997; 08/869,164 filed Jun. 4, 1997; and 08/916,694 filedAug. 22, 1997, each being incorporated herein by reference. As shown inFIG. 6A, the Integrated Scanning Terminal 131 is connected to an ISP 132by way of a radio-based station 133 and wireless links 134 and 135. Thehand-held Internet Scanning Terminal 131 has an integrated GUI-based webbrowser program, display panel 136, touch-screen type keypad 137, andprogrammed automatic laser scanning bar code symbol reading engine 53.The function of bar code symbol reading engine 53 is to read a 1-D or2-D bar code symbol 138 that is encoded with information of a specifieddata type. Such information can represent: (i) the URL of a Web page tobe accessed by the Internet Scanning Terminal; (ii) the identity of aproduct or object; or (iii) any type of information that serves toidentify an object, specify a process, or specify the location of anobject, on an information network or in a system.

In the illustrative embodiment, the Internet Scanning Terminal 131 isrealized as a transportable computer, such as the Newton® Model 130Messagepad from Apple Computer, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.; the PalmIII/Pilot portable data terminal from 3Com, Inc; or like device. In theillustrative embodiment, the Newton Model-130 Messagepad 131 is providedwith NetHopper™ (2.0) brand Internet Access Software from AllPenSoftware, Inc. which supports the TCP/IP networking protocol within theNewton MessagePad operating system. The Newton Messagepad 131 is alsoequipped with a Motorola PCMCIA-based modem card 138 having a RFtransceiver for establishing a wireless digital communication link witheither (i) a cellular base station, or (ii) one or more satellite-basedstations connected to the Internet 139 by way of an ISP 132 in a mannerwell known in the global information networking art. While it isunderstood that, in some instances, it may be desired to connect a penor wand device to the serial port of the Newton MessagePad to providebar code symbol reading capabilities thereto, it is preferred thatautomatic laser scanning engine 53 be interfaced with the serialcommunications port of the Newton MessagePad so as to realize theInternet-based Transaction-Enabling System of the illustrativeembodiment hereof.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the entire Newton MessagePad, bar code symbolreading engine 53 (or other scanning engine) and auxiliary batterysupply are intensified and completely housed within a rubberizedshock-proof housing 141, in order to provide a hand-supportable unitarydevice. Once the object (e.g. transaction card) 142 is detected by theobject detection field 9, a laser beam is automatically projected withinthe bar code symbol detection field 10, and swept across the bar codesymbol 138 present therewithin, and upon detection, the laser beam isautomatically swept across the bar code symbol reading field 11 in orderto collect scan data therefrom, and decode the same and produce symbolcharacter data representative of the read bar code symbol. Thereupon,the Internet Scanning Terminal 131 automatically produces a bar codesymbol read indication signal (e.g. in the form of a graphical icon ormessage 144 on the LCD panel 136) for the user to perceive. If and whenthe user manually-actuates in a timely manner the data transmissionactivation switch 145 provided on the side of the rubber housing 141, oremulated on the display surface of the LCD panel 136 in the form of agraphical icon 145′, then the Internet Scanning Terminal 131automatically transmits subsequently produced symbol character data forthe same bar code symbol to the intended host system (e.g. located at anIP address on the Internet 139), or to on-board data storage memorylocated within the Internet Scanning Terminal, or to another storagedevice in communication with the terminal 131.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the bar code symbol reading engines shown in FIGS.9A through 9D, 10A through 10D, can be installed within the head portionof the bar code symbol reading device 130 without requiring anymodification thereto. When incorporated into hand-supportable housing141 as shown, each of these laser scanning engines indicated byreference to numeral 53 in FIG. 6A, will enable the automatic generationof: an IR-based object detection field 9 for automatically detectingobjects presented therewithin; a laser-based bar code symbol detectionfield 10 in response to automatic detection of objects within theIR-based object detection field 9; and a laser-based bar code symbolreading field 11 in response to automatic detection of bar code symbolswithin the laser-based bar code symbol detection field 10, consistentwith the structure and functions depicted in the schematic diagram ofFIG. 1A.

As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, each of these laserscanning bar code symbol reading engines have the same general systemarchitecture schematically illustrated in FIGS. 15A1 through 16. Thesystem control process underlying this generalized system design isillustrated in the flow chart set forth in FIGS. 20A1 through 20E. Thestates of operation of this generalized system design are described inthe state transition diagram of FIG. 21.

Fourteenth Illustrative Embodiment Of Automatically-Activated Bar CodeSymbol Reading System Of The Present Invention

In FIG. 6B, the fourteenth illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system hereof 130′ isshown comprising: a hand-supportable laser scanning bar code symbolreading device 140′ adapted for support within a user's hand; and a basestation 133 in data communication with the hand-supportable bar codereading device 140′ using a two-way data communication link 134 of thetype disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,460,120; 5,321,246, incorporatedherein by reference, and in communication with the Internet InformationServer maintained by the ISP 132 using a two-way data communication link135. As shown, this automatically-activated bar code symbol readingsystem 130′ is similar to the bar code symbol reading system 130 shownin FIG. 6A, in all but a few respects. The bar code symbol readingdevice of FIG. 6B may incorporate within its hand-supportable housing141′, any of the laser scanning engines disclosed in FIGS. 9E, 10E, 11B,13B, and 14B, with little or no modifications to the form factorthereof.

When incorporated into the hand-supportable housing as shown in FIG. 6B,each of the laser scanning engines, indicated by reference numeral 53′in FIG. 6B, will enable automatic generation of: a low-power laser-basedobject detection field 23 in response to powering-up of the laserscanning engine; a laser-based bar code symbol detection field 24generated in response to automatic object detection within thelaser-based object detection field 23; and a laser-based bar code symbolreading field 25 generated in response to automatic bar code symboldetection within the laser-based bar code symbol detection field 24,consistent with the structure and function indicated in the schematicdesign shown in FIG. 1B.

As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, each of the laserscanning bar code symbol reading engines have the same general systemarchitecture schematically illustrated in FIGS. 22A1 through 22C. Thesystem control process underlying this generalized system design isillustrated in the flow chart set forth in FIGS. 23A1 through 23E. Thestates of operation of this generalized system design are described inthe state transition diagram of FIG. 24.

Fifteenth Illustrative Embodiment Of Automatically-Activated Bar CodeSymbol Reading System Of The Present Invention

In FIG. 6C, the fifteenth illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system hereof 130″ isshown comprising: a hand-supportable laser scanning bar code symbolreading device 140″ adapted for support within a user's hand; and a basestation 133 in data communication with the hand-supportable bar codereading device 140″ using a two-way data communication link 134 of thetype disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,460,120; and 5,321,246, incorporatedherein by reference, and in communication with the Internet InformationServer maintained by the ISP 132 using a two-way data communication link135. As shown, this automatically-activated bar code symbol readingsystem is similar to the bar code symbol reading system 130 shown inFIG. 6A, in all but a few ways. The bar code symbol reading device ofFIG. 6C can incorporate within its hand-supportable housing, any of thelaser scanning engines disclosed in FIGS. 11C, 13C, and 14C, with littleor no modification to the form factor thereof.

When incorporated into hand-supportable housing as shown in FIG. 6C,each of these laser scanning engines, indicated by reference numeral 53″in FIG. 6C, enable automatic generation of: a laser-based bar codesymbol detection field 37 in response to powering-up the laser scanningengine; and a laser-based bar code symbol reading field 38 in responseto automatic bar code symbol detection within the laser-based bar codesymbol detection field 37. In this illustrative embodiment, there is noform of automatic object detection provided with the bar code symbolreading device 140″, as it is presumed that the bar code symbol readingdevice is not to be used in portable scanning applications, remote fromits base unit or host system (e.g. cash register/computer), but ratheris tethered to its host system by way of a flexible cord carrying bothdata and power lines between the bar code symbol reading device and thehost computer.

As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, each of these laserscanning bar code symbol reading engines have the same general systemarchitecture schematically illustrated in FIGS. 25A through 26. Thesystem control process underlying this generalized system design isillustrated in the flow chart set forth in FIGS. 27A through 27C. Thestates of operation of this generalized system design are described inthe state transition diagram of FIG. 28.

Sixteenth Illustrative Embodiment Of Automatically-Activated Bar CodeSymbol Reading System Of The Present Invention

In FIG. 7A, the sixteenth illustrative embodiment of the bar code symbolreading system hereof 150 is shown comprising: anautomatically-activated portable bar code symbol reading device 151operably associated with a base unit 152 having a scanner support stand153 pivotally connected thereto, for releaseably supporting theautomatic bar code symbol reading device 151 at any one of a number ofpositions above of a counter surface at a Point of Sale (POS) station.In the preferred embodiment, the bar code symbol reading device 151 isoperably connected with its the base unit 152 by way of a one wayelectromagnetic link 154 between bar code symbol reading device 151 andits mated base unit 152. After the successful reading of each bar codesymbol by the bar code symbol reading device and the timely activationof data transmission activation switch 155, subsequently produced symbolcharacter data (from the same bar code symbol) is transmitted to thebase unit and thence to the host system (e.g. electronic cash registersystem, data collection device, etc.) 156 by way of a flexible multiwirecommunications cable 157 extending from the base unit 152 and pluggeddirectly into the data-input communications port of the host computersystem 156.

In the illustrative embodiment, electrical power from a low voltagedirect current (DC) power supply (not shown) is provided to the baseunit by way of a flexible power cable 159. Notably, this DC power supplycan be realized in host computer system 156 or as a separate DC powersupply adapter pluggable into a conventional 3-prong electrical socket.In other embodiments of the present invention, cables 157 and 158 can beintegrated to provide a single flexible, multi-wire cable fortransmission of power to the base unit and data to the host system. Aswill be described in greater detail hereinafter, a rechargeable batterypower supply unit 160 is contained primarily within the handle portionof the bar code symbol reading device 151 in order to energize theelectrical and electro-optical components within the device.

As illustrated in FIG. 7A, scanner support stand 153 is particularlyadapted for receiving and supporting portable bar code symbol readingdevice 151 without user support, thus providing a stationary, automatichands-free mode of operation. In general, portable bar code symbolreading device 151 includes an ultra-light weight hand-supportablehousing 161 having a head portion 161A and a contoured handle portion161B. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, head portion161A encloses a laser scanning bar code symbol reading engine 53 capableof producing a highly collimated scanning pattern 162 through lighttransmission window 168 for the purpose of scanning bar code symbols onobjects within a narrowly confined-scanning (i.e. 3-D scanning field)volume 164, while preventing unintentional scanning of bar code symbolson objects located outside thereof at point of sale (POS) stations.Thus, by minimizing the amount of counter-space that must be clear (i.e.free) of bar coded items at POS stations, the omnidirectional bar codesymbol reader 151 provides retailers with greater counter-spaceavailability for displaying merchandise and the like, yet withoutsacrificing the increase in check-out performance and workerproductivity associated with the use of bar code symbol scanners at POSstations.

As illustrated in FIG. 7A, the base unit 152 includes a base portion 162which can be realized in a variety of different ways. For example, thebase portion 162 can be realized as a compact stand for support upon acountertop surface as shown in FIG. 7A, or it can be realized as asupport mount for vertical wall-mounting. In either embodiment, thefunction of the scanner stand 153 is to support the device 151 in anyone of a plurality of positions above a workspace which may be a countersurface in POS applications. With this arrangement, thehighly-collimated laser scanning pattern 162 can be projected about theprojection axis 165 above the counter surface in any one of a pluralityof orientations corresponding to the plurality of positions above theworkspace.

As described in greater detail in Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 5,796,091,base portion 162 contains electronic circuitry realized on a PC boardfor carrying out various types of functions, namely: reception ofelectrical power from the host system and coupling electrical power tothe rechargeable battery contained within the hand-supportable housing;reception of data packets transmitted from the automatic bar code symbolreading device; and processing the same for data recovery; generation ofacoustical and/or optical acknowledgement signals; and transmission ofsymbol character data to the host system.

As illustrated in FIG. 7A, the head portion 161A of the bar code readingdevice continuously extends into contoured handle portion 161B at anobtuse angle which, in the illustrative embodiment, is about 115degrees. It is understood, however, that in other embodiments thisobtuse angle may be in the range of about 100 to about 150 degrees. Themass balance of the device is particularly designed so that when thedevice is held within the user's hand, the index finger of the user isdisposed beneath the head portion of the housing, and provides a pivotpoint about which there is substantially zero torque acting upon thedevice, preventing it from rotating in either direction about the indexfinger. Instead, the resultant force distribution acting upon the user'shand is aligned in the direction of gravitational forces. The effect ofthis mass-balanced scanner design is to minimize the torque imposed onthe user's wrists and forearms while using the bar code symbol readingdevice in the hands-on mode of operation. This, in turn, minimizes theamount of energy which the user must expend during hands-on scanningoperations, thereby reducing wrist and arm fatigue and increasing workerproductivity. In addition to the above advantages, the hand-supportablehousing hereof is sculptured (i.e. form-fitted) to the human hand sothat automatic hands-on scanning is rendered easy and effortless.

Preferably, the stand portion 153 of the base unit 152 is pivotallysupported with respect to the base portion 162 by way of pivot pinsmounted within the base portion. In order to releaseably hold the standportion of the base unit relative to the base portion thereof in any oneof a number of provided scanning positions, a releasable stand-lockingmechanism is provided within the base portion. The locking mechanism canbe realized as a set of projections formed on the inside surface of thesupport arms of the stand portion of the base unit, and aprojection-catch formed on the adjacent surface of the base portion. Inaddition, to allow the base unit to easily rotate relative to itssupport surface, the bottom of the base portion can be realized as aturntable structure that allows its bottom section 166 to be stationaryrelative to the support surface (i.e. countertop), while the uppersection is fixed relative to the balance of the base portion of the baseunit 152. Preferably, pivot is used to pivotally connect the upper andlower sections 166 and 167 together for easy rotation of the base unitrelative to the support surface.

As illustrated in FIG. 7A, the head portion 161A of the hand-supportablehousing has a light transmission window 168 mounted over the entirelight transmission aperture 163. A rubber bumper 169 protects the edgeof the housing when dropped or set down. In the preferred embodiment,the spectral transmission characteristics of the light transmissionwindow are such that all wavelengths greater (i.e. longer) than slightlyless than 670 nm (e.g. longer than 665 nm) are permitted to exit andenter the interior volume of the housing with minimum attenuation. As aresult of such characteristics, the visible laser line at 670 nanometersand the infra-red (IR) spectral line at 870 nm (produced from the objectsensing circuitry hereof) are allowed to propagate through thetransmission window, out of the head portion of the housing, reflectfrom an object/bar code surface, and return through the transmissionwindow. Notably, all other surfaces of the hand-supportable housing areopaque to electromagnetic radiation in the visible band.

As shown in FIG. 7A, a set of color-coded state indicator lights 170 aremounted on the head portion of the device housing 161A, for visuallydisplaying the particular state in which the system resides at anyinstant of time. Notably, the color-coding scheme shown in FIG. 2C canbe used.

In general, any of the laser scanning engines disclosed in FIGS. 9Athrough 9D, 10A through 10D, 11A, 13A, and 14A can be incorporatedwithin the hand-supportable housing of the bar code symbol readingsystem shown in FIG. 7A, with little or no modifications to the formfactor thereof. When incorporated into hand-supportable housing 161 asshown, each of these laser scanning engines, indicated by referencenumeral 53 in FIG. 7A, will enable the automatic generation of: anIR-based object detection field 9 in response to powering-up the laserscanning engine; a laser-based bar code symbol detection field 10containing an omni-directional laser scanning pattern generated inresponse to automatic detection of objects within the IR-based objectdetection field 9; and a laser-based bar code symbol reading field 11containing an omni-directional laser scanning pattern, generated inresponse to automatic detection of bar code symbols within thelaser-based bar code symbol detection field 10. Notably, for clarity ofexposition, the geometrical characteristics of the laser scanningpattern in each of the scanning fields have not been graphicallydepicted. Only the geometrical boundaries of the laser scanning fieldshave been graphically depicted in the figures hereof.

As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, each of these laserscanning bar code symbol reading engines have the same general systemarchitecture schematically illustrated in FIGS. 15A1 through 16. Thesystem control process underlying this generalized system design isillustrated in the flow chart set forth in FIGS. 20A1 through 20E. Thestates of operation of this generalized system design are described inthe state transition diagram of FIG. 21.

Seventeenth Illustrative Embodiment Of Automatically-Activated Bar CodeSymbol Reading System Of The Present Invention

In FIG. 7B, the seventeenth illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system hereof 150′ isshown comprising: a hand-supportable laser scanning bar code symbolreading device 151′ adapted for support within a user's hand; and a basestation 152 in data communication with the hand-supportable bar codereading device 151′ using a one-way data communication link 154 of thetype disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,808,285, or two-way data communicationlink of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,460,120; and 5,321,246incorporated herein by reference. As shown, this automatically-activatedbar code symbol reading system 150′ is similar to the bar code symbolreading system 150 shown in FIG. 7A, in all but a few respects. Any ofthe laser scanning engines disclosed in FIGS. 11B, 13B, and 14B can beinstalled directly within the head portion of the bar code symbolreading device shown in FIG. 7B without requiring any modificationthereto.

When incorporated into hand-supportable housing 161 as shown, each ofthese laser scanning engines, indicated by reference numeral 53′ in FIG.7B, will enable automatic generation of: a low-power laser-based objectdetection field 23 in response to powering-up of the laser scanningengine; a laser-based bar code symbol detection field 24 containing anomni-directional (visible) laser scanning pattern, generated in responseto automatic object detection within the laser-based object detectionfield 23; and a laser-based bar code symbol reading field 25, containingan omni-directional visible laser scanning pattern, generated inresponse to automatic bar code symbol detection within the laser-basedbar code symbol detection field 24, consistent with the structure andfunctions depicted in the schematic diagram of FIG. 1B.

As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, each of these laserscanning bar code symbol reading engines have the same general systemarchitecture schematically illustrated in FIGS. 22A1 through 22C. Thesystem control process underlying this generalized system design isillustrated in the flow chart set forth in FIGS. 23A1 through 23E. Thestates of operation of this generalized system design are described inthe state transition diagram of FIG. 24.

Eighteenth Illustrative Embodiment Of Automatically-Activated Bar CodeSymbol Reading System Of The Present Invention

In FIG. 7C, the eighteenth illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system hereof 150″ isshown comprising: a hand-supportable laser scanning bar code symbolreading device 151″ adapted for support within a user's hand; and a basestation 152 in data communication with the hand-supportable bar codereading device 151″ using a one-way data communication link 154″ of thetype disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,808,285 or two-way data communicationlink of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,460,120; and 5,321,246,incorporated herein by reference. As shown, this automatically-activatedbar code symbol reading system 150″ is similar to the bar code symbolreading system 150 shown in FIG. 7A, in all but a few respects. Inparticular, the bar code symbol reading device of FIG. 7C canincorporate within its hand-supportable housing 161A, any of the laserscanning engines disclosed in FIGS. 11C, 13C, and 14C, with little or nomodification to the form factor thereof.

When incorporated into hand-supportable housing 161, each of these laserscanning engines, indicated by reference numeral 53″ in FIG. 7C, enableautomatic generation of: a laser-based bar code symbol detection field37 in response to powering-up of the laser scanning engine; and alaser-based bar code symbol reading field 38 containing anomni-directional visible laser scanning pattern generated in response toautomatic bar code symbol detection within the laser-based bar codesymbol detection field 37, consistent with the structure and functionsdepicted in FIG. 1C. In this illustrative embodiment, there is no formof automatic object detection provided with the bar code symbol readingdevice 151″, as it is presumed that the bar code symbol reading deviceis not to be used in portable scanning applications, remote from itsbase unit or host system (e.g. cash register/computer), but rather is tobe tethered to its host system by way of a flexible cord carrying bothdata and power lines between the bar code symbol reading device and thehost computer.

As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, each of these laserscanning bar code symbol reading engines shown in FIGS. 11C, 13C and 14Chave the same general system architecture schematically illustrated inFIGS. 25A through 26. The system control process underlying thisgeneralized system design is illustrated in the flow chart set forth inFIGS. 27A through 27C. The states of operation of this generalizedsystem design are described in the state transition diagram of FIG. 28.

Nineteenth Illustrative Embodiment Of Automatically-Activated Bar CodeSymbol Reading System Of The Present Invention

In FIG. 8A, the nineteenth illustrative embodiment of the bar codesymbol reading system hereof 180 is realized in the form of abody-wearable Internet-based Transaction-Enabling System, comprising: abar code symbol reading unit 181 designed to be worn on the back of theoperator's hand; and a remote unit 182 (i.e. realized as a body-wearableRF-based Internet access terminal) designed to be worn about the forearmor foreleg of the operator by fastening thereto using, for example,flexible straps 182A or like fastening technology.

In the illustrative embodiment, hand-mounted bar code reading unit 181comprises: a light transmission window 181A for exit and entry of lightused to scan bar code symbols 183; a glove 184 without finger receivingsheaths, worn by the operator for releaseably mounting the bar codereading unit 181 to the back of his or her hand; a laser scanning barcode symbol reading engine 53, as described hereinabove; a set of stateindicator lights 185A provided on the exterior of the housing forvisually displaying the system state to the operator during systemoperation, and thumb-activatable data-transmission activation switch185B for producing a data transmission control activation control signal(A₄=1) in response to a bar code symbol read state indication on stateindicator lights 185A.

In the illustrative embodiment, the remote unit 182 comprises: an LCDtouch-screen type panel 186, an audio-speaker 187; a RISC-basedmicrocomputing system or platform 188 for supporting various computingfunctions including, for example, TCP/IP, HTTP, and other Internetprotocols (e.g. E-mail, FTP, etc.) associated with the use of anInternet browser or communicator program (e.g. Netscape Navigator orCommunicator, or MicroSoft Explorer programs) provided by the remoteunit; a telecommunication modem 189 interfaced with the microcomputingsystem 188; an RF transceiver 190 (e.g. employing DFSK orspread-spectrum modulation techniques) also interfaced with thetelecommunication modem for supporting a 2-way telecommunicationprotocol (e.g. PPP) known in the art, between the microcomputing systemand remote transceiver 191 (described hereinabove) which is interfacedwith ISP 192 connected to the Internet or other digital datacommunication network; a set of state indicator lights 185A′ whichmirror the state indicator lights 185A on the bar code symbol readingdevice; a rechargeable battery power supply 193 aboard the remotehousing, for providing electrical power to the components therein aswell as to the bar code symbol reader 181; and a flexible cable 194, forsupporting communication between the bar code symbol reader 181 and themicrocomputing platform 188, and electrical power transfer from thepower supply to the bar code symbol reader.

Notably, the remote unit 182 will embody at least one of the Internetaccess methods described in copending application Ser. No. 08/846,219filed Apr. 25, 1997; Ser. No. 08/869,164 filed Jun. 4, 1997; and Ser.No. 08/916,694 filed Aug. 22, 1997. The method used by remote unit 182(i.e. the Internet access terminal) will depend on the information thatis encoded within the URL-encoded bar code symbol scanned by the barcode symbol reader 181. Optionally, a laser scanning bar code symbolscanning engine (without a digitizer or decoder) can be contained withinhand-mounted unit 181, and the necessary digitizing and scan-dataprocessing can be carried out by the microcomputing system within theremote unit 182 using techniques known in the art, or usingspecial-purpose ASIC-type devices contained within remote unit 182 alsoknown in the art.

Preferably, the remote unit 182 is worn on the forearm of the operatorso that the touch-type LCD panel 186 integrated therewith can be easilyviewed during use of the body-wearable system of the present invention.Thus, when a bar code symbol 183 is automatically read by thehand-mounted (or finger-mounted) bar code symbol reader 181, bar codesymbol character data, representative of the read bar code symbol, willbe automatically produced and the bar code symbol reading stateindicator driver. If the operator manually activates thethumb-activatable data transmission switch 185B in a timely manner, thensubsequently produced symbol character data (produced from the same barcode symbol) transmitted to the remote unit 182 (e.g. host device). Ifso, and the bar code is a URL-encoded bar code symbol, then thetransaction-enabling Web page associated with the scanned bar codesymbol is automatically accessed by the remote unit 182 and displayed onthe LCD panel 186 for viewing by and interaction with the operator.Also, in response to reading a URL-encoded bar code symbol, the operatormay be required to manually enter information to the Web page beingdisplayed, using the touch-screen display panel 186 and pen-computingsoftware, well known in the art. In an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention, a large-vocabulary speech recognition subsystem maybe integrated within the remote housing 182 so that the user can enterinformation to the Internet browser by speaking rather than throughmanual keystroke, or pen computing techniques well known in the art andsupported by the microcomputing platform contained within the remotehousing.

In some applications, it may be desirable to provide, as shown in FIG.8D, a lightweight headset 196 supporting a miniature LCD display screen197, a microphone 198, and earphones 200. Also, as shown, the remoteunit 182 is provided with audio and video input/output ports 201 forsupplying audio input to the microcomputing platform (within the remoteunit) 182 and audio and video output therefrom using a flexiblecommunication cable 202 for driving the headset components worn by theoperator during in-field use of the system. The function of thehead-supported microphone 198 would be to provide speech input to themicrocomputing system for processing by a speech recognition subsystemrealized thereaboard using commercially available speech-recognitionsoftware (e.g. from Dragon Systems, Inc. Newton Mass.). The function ofthe head-mounted video-panel 197 would be to provide a convenient way ofdisplaying HTML-encoded information pages accessed from the Internet inresponse to reading URL-encoded bar code symbols bar coded symbol reader181. The function of earphones 200 would be to provide a convenient wayof supplying audio information encoded within HTML-encoded informationpages accessed from the Internet using bar coded symbol reader 181. Suchauxiliary devices 197, 198 and 200, interfaced with theforearm-supported remote unit 182 (enabling Internet access), willprovide the operator with additional freedom to carry out operations indiverse environments.

In general, any of the laser scanning engines disclosed in FIGS. 9Athrough 9D, 10A through 10D, 11A, 13A, and 14A can be incorporatedwithin the hand-supportable housing of the bar code symbol readingdevice 181 shown in FIG. 8A, with little or no modifications to the formfactor thereof. When incorporated into the hand-supportable housingthereof as shown, each of these laser scanning engines, indicated byreference numeral 53 depicted in FIG. 8A, will enable the automaticgeneration of: an IR-based object detection field 9 in response topowering-up the laser scanning engine; a laser-based bar code symboldetection field 10 in response to automatic detection of objects withinthe IR-based object detection field 9; and a laser-based bar code symbolreading field 11 in response to automatic detection of bar code symbolswithin the laser-based bar code symbol detection field 10, consistentwith the structure and functions depicted in the systematic diagram of1A. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, each of theselaser scanning bar code symbol reading engines shown in FIGS. 9A through9D, 10A through 10D, 11A, 13A and 14A have the same general systemarchitecture schematically illustrated in FIGS. 15A1 through 16. Thesystem control process underlying this generalized system design isillustrated in the flow chart set forth in FIGS. 20A1 through 20E. Thestates of operation of this generalized system design are described inthe state transition diagram of FIG. 21.

Twentieth Illustrative Embodiment Of Automatically-Activated Bar CodeSymbol Reading System Of The Present Invention

In FIG. 8B, the twentieth illustrative embodiment of the bar code symbolreading system hereof 180′ is realized in the form of a body-wearableInternet-based Transaction-Enabling System comprising: a bar code symbolreading unit 181′ designed to be worn on the back of the hand; and aremote unit 182 (i.e. realized as a body-wearable RF-based Internetaccess terminal) designed to be worn about the forearm or foreleg of theoperator, as described hereinabove. As shown in FIG. 8B, thisautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system 180′ is similarto the bar code symbol reading system 180 shown in FIG. 8A, in all but afew respects. In particular, any of the bar code symbol reading enginesdisclosed in FIGS. 9E, 10E, 11B, 13B, and 14B may incorporated withinhand-supportable housing of device 181′, with little or no modificationsto the form factor thereof.

When incorporated into the hand-supportable housing of device 181′ asshown in FIG. 8B, each of the laser scanning engines, indicated byreference numeral 53′ in FIG. 8B, will enable automatic generation of: alow-power laser-based object detection field 23 in response topowering-up the laser scanning engine; a laser-based bar code symboldetection field 24 generated in response to automatic object detectionwithin the laser-based object detection field, 23; and a laser-based barcode symbol reading field 25 generated in response to automatic bar codesymbol detection within the laser-based bar code symbol detection field24, consistent with the structure and functions depicted in theschematic diagram of FIG. 1B.

As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, each of these laserscanning bar code symbol reading engines have the same general systemarchitecture schematically illustrated in FIGS. 22A1 through 22C. Thesystem control process underlying this generalized system design isillustrated in the flow chart set forth in FIGS. 23A1 through 23E. Thestates of operation of this generalized system design are described inthe state transition diagram of FIG. 24.

Twenty-First Illustrative Embodiment Of Automatically-Activated Bar CodeSymbol Reading System Of The Present Invention

In FIG. 8C, the twenty-first embodiment of the bar code symbol readingsystem hereof 180″ is realized in the form of a body-wearableInternet-based Transaction-Enabling System comprising: a bar code symbolreading unit 181″ designed to be worn on the back of the hand; and aremote unit 182 (i.e. realized as a body-wearable RF-based Internetaccess terminal) designed to be worn about the forearm or foreleg of theoperator as described hereinabove. As shown, thisautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system 180″ is similarto the bar code symbol reading system 180 shown in FIG. 8A, in all but afew respects. Any of the laser scanning engines disclosed in FIGS. 9F,10F, 11C, 13C and 14C can be incorporated within the hand-supportablehousing of the device with little or no modification to the form factorthereof.

When incorporated into hand-supportable housing thereof as shown in FIG.8C, each of these laser scanning engines indicated by reference numeral53″ in FIG. 8C, enable automatic generation of: a laser-based bar codesymbol detection field 37, for automatically detecting objectstherewithin; and a laser-based bar code symbol reading field 38 inresponse to automatic bar code symbol detection within the laser-basedbar code symbol detection field 37, consistent with the structure andfunctions depicted in the schematic diagram of FIG. 1C. In thisillustrative embodiment, there is no form of automatic object detectionprovided with the bar code, symbol reading device 181″, as it ispresumed that the bar code symbol reading device is not to be used inportable scanning applications, remote from its base unit or host system(e.g. cash register/computer), but rather is tethered to its host systemby way of a flexible cord carrying both data and power lines between thebar code symbol reading device and the host computer.

As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, each of these laserscanning bar code symbol reading engines have the same general systemarchitecture schematically illustrated in FIGS. 25A through 26. Thesystem control process underlying this generalized system design isillustrated in the flow chart set forth in FIGS. 27A through 27C. Thestates of operation of this generalized system design are described inthe state transition diagram of FIG. 28.

FIG. 8D shows an operator wearing the hand-supportedautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading device 181 (181′, 181″)of either FIGS. 8A, 8B or 8C. As shown, the arm-mounted computerterminal 182 is supported on the arm of the operator and is arranged inone-way communication with the hand-supported bar code symbol readingdevice 181, and also in two-way communication with the stationary baseunit 191 described hereinabove. Optionally, as shown, the user can wearthe head-mounted LCD panel 197 operably connected to the arm-mountedcomputer terminal 182 for displaying information and graphics displayedon the LCD panel thereof in a mirrored manner. Also, the user may usemicrophone 198 for inputting information to the computer-terminal 182 byway of continuous or discrete speech recognition programs (e.g. byDragon Systems, Inc. of Newton, Mass.) running on computer-terminal 182in a real-time manner.

In FIG. 8D, an operator/user is shown using the bar code symbol readingdevice of FIG. 8A to carry out an inventory management operation. Whenthe operator, wearing the hand-supported bar code symbol reading device181, points to a bar code symbol 183 printed or applied to a package,the IR-based object detection field 9 automatically detects the objectand the device 181 automatically generates its laser-based bar codesymbol detection field 10 for automatic bar code symbol detection. Whenthe laser-based bar code symbol detection field 10 automatically detectsa bar code symbol on the detected object, the device 181 automaticallygenerates its laser-based bar code symbol reading field 11 for automaticbar code symbol reading. When the laser-based bar code symbol readingfield 11 successfully reads the detected bar code symbol, the device 181automatically generates symbol character data representative of the readbar code symbol, and then drives the bar code symbol read indicationsignal (e.g. via indicator light array 185A or 185A′ on LCD panel 186 ofcomputer-terminal 182). If the user manually actuates the datatransmission activation switch 185B in a timely manner established bythe system controller of the system, the subsequently produced symbolcharacter data (from the same bar code symbol) is automaticallytransmitted to the computer-terminal 182, whereupon an acousticalacknowledgment signal is automatically generated for the operator tohear and the data transmission state indicator is driven. Thereafter,the symbol character data is transmitted from the stationary base unit182 to the host system in a conventional manner. Notably, thehand-supported bar code symbol reading device 181 can be used in diverseapplications including bar code symbol menu reading applicationsinvolving reading 1-D and 2-D bar code symbols.

Twenty-Second Illustrative Embodiment Of Automatically-Activated BarCode Symbol Reading System Of The Present Invention

In FIGS. 8E1 and 8E2, the twenty-second illustrative embodiment of thebar code symbol reading system hereof 700 is shown comprising: anautomatically-activated portable bar code symbol reading device 701having a hand-supportable housing 702 provided with an integrated base702A which enables the laser-based bar code symbol detection and readingfields 10 and 11 projected from the housing 702 to be supported at anyone of a number of positions above a counter surface at a POS stationduring the automatic hands-free mode of operation, shown in FIG. 8E 2.

In the illustrative embodiment, the bar code symbol reading device 701is operably connected to a host system 703 (e.g. electronic cashregister system, data collection device, etc.) by a flexible multiwirecommunications cable 704 that extends from the integrated base portion702A of the housing and is plugged directly into the data-inputcommunications port of the host computer system 703. In the illustrativeembodiment, electrical power from a low voltage direct current (DC)power supply (not shown) is provided to the device 701 by way offlexible power cable 706. Notably, this DC power supply can be realizedin host computer system 703 or as a separate DC power supply adapterpluggable into a conventional 3-prong electrical socket. In analternative embodiment of the present invention, cables 704 and 706 canbe integrated to provide a single flexible, multi-wire cable fortransmission of power to the device and data to the host system. Inanother embodiment of the present invention, the data communicationscable 704 can be replaced with a wireless data packet transmission link,as described in detail hereinabove. Also, the power supply cord 706 andassociated components can be replaced by providing a rechargeablebattery within the hand-supportable housing 702, and optionally, a baseunit can be provided for receiving a portion of the housing sufficientto enable battery recharging operations to take place in a safe andconvenient manner.

As shown in FIG. 8E 1, the head portion 707 supports and encloses alaser scanning bar code symbol reading engine 53 capable of producing ahighly-collimated laser scanning pattern (not shown) through the lighttransmission window 710. The function of this scanning pattern is toscan bar code symbols 716 on objects 717 within a narrowly confinedscanning (i.e. 3-D scanning field) volume 709, while preventingunintentional scanning of bar code symbols on objects located outsidethereof at POS stations. Thus, by minimizing the amount of counter-spacethat must be clear (i.e. free) of bar coded items at point of sale POSstations, the omnidirectional bar code symbol reader 701 providesretailers with greater counter-space availability for displayingmerchandise and the like, yet without sacrificing the increase incheck-out performance and worker productivity associated with the use ofbar code symbol scanners at POS stations.

As illustrated in FIG. 8E 1, the head portion 707 of thehand-supportable housing has a light transmission window 710 mountedover the entire light transmission aperture 708. A rubber bumper 711retains the light transmission window 710 and protects the circular edgeof the housing when accidentally dropped or set down. In the preferredembodiment, the spectral transmission characteristics of the lighttransmission window 710 are such that all wavelengths greater (i.e.longer) than slightly less than 670 nm (e.g. longer than 665 nm) arepermitted to exit and enter the interior volume of the housing withminimum attenuation. As a result of such characteristics, the visiblelaser line at 670 nanometers and the infra-red (IR) spectral line at 870nm (produced from the object sensing circuitry hereof) are allowed topropagate through the transmission window, out of the head portion ofthe housing, and to reflect from an object/bar code surface, and thenreturn through the transmission window. Notably, all other surfaces ofthe hand-supportable housing are opaque to electromagnetic radiation inthe visible band.

As shown, manually activatable data transmission switches 712A and 712Bare integrated on opposite sides of the housing below planar surfaces702C and 702D in order to enable the user of the device to generate adata transmission control activation signal (A₄=1) whenever one of thesedata transmission switches 712A and 712B is depressed during systemoperation. Also, as shown in FIGS. 8E1 and 8E2, the base portion 702A ofthe device housing 702 has an integrated mode selection sensor 713 (e.g.electronic IR-based switch or mechanical switch) for detecting that thehousing 702 has been placed upon a countertop or like surface 714, andthus the system should be automatically induced into its hands-free modeof operation by setting the control activation signal A₄ equal to A₄=1.When the hand-supportable housing is placed upon a countertop surface714, mode selection sensor 713 automatically detects the presence of thecountertop surface 714 and generates control activation signal A₄=1 inorder to enable automatic data transmission in the hands-free mode ofoperation. When the hand-supportable housing 702 is picked-up from thecountertop surface 714, mode selection sensor 713 automatically detectsthe absence of the countertop surface 714 and generates controlactivation signal A₄=0 in order to enable manually-activated datatransmission in the hands-on mode of operation. As shown in FIG. 8E 1, aset of color-coded state indicator lights 715 are mounted on the headportion of the housing 702, for visually displaying the particular statein which the system resides at any instant of time.

In general, any of the laser scanning engines disclosed in FIGS. 11A,13A, and 14A can be incorporated within the hand-supportable housing ofthe bar code symbol reading system shown in FIG. 8E 1, with little or nomodification to the form factor thereof. When incorporated intohand-supportable housing 702 as shown, each of these laser scanningengines, indicated by reference numerical 53 shown in FIG. 8E 1, willenable the automatic generation of: an IR-based object detection field 9in response to powering-up of the laser scanning engine; containing alaser-based bar code symbol detection field 10 an omni-directional laserscanning pattern generated in response to automatic detection of objectswithin the IR-based object detection field 9; and a laser-based bar codesymbol reading field 11 containing an omni-directional laser scanningpattern, generated in response to automatic detection of bar codesymbols within the laser-based bar code symbol detection field 10,consistent with the structure and functions depicted in the schematicdiagram of FIG. 1A.

As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, each of these laserscanning bar code symbol reading engines have the same general systemarchitecture schematically illustrated in FIGS. 15A1 through 16. Thesystem control process underlying this generalized system design isillustrated in the flow chart set forth in FIGS. 20A1 through 20E. Thestates of operation of this generalized system design are described inthe state transition diagram of FIG. 21.

Twenty-Third Illustrative Embodiment Of Automatically-Activated Bar CodeSymbol Reading System Of The Present Invention

In FIG. 8F, the twenty-third illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system hereof 700′ isshown comprising: a hand-supportable laser scanning bar code symbolreading device 701′ adapted for support within a user's hand in theautomatic hands-on mode of operation, and support upon a countertop orlike surface in its automatic hands-free mode of operation. As shown,this automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system 700′ issimilar to the bar code symbol reading system 700 shown in FIGS. 8E1 and8E2, in all but a few respects. Any of the laser scanning enginesdisclosed in FIGS. 11B, 13B, and 14B can be installed directly withinthe head portion of the bar code symbol reading device shown in FIG. 8Fwithout requiring any modification thereto.

When incorporated into hand-supportable housing 702 as shown, each ofthese laser scanning engines, indicated by reference numerical 53′ inFIG. 8F will enable automatic generation of: a low-power laser-basedobject detection field 23 in response to powering-up the laser scanningengine; a laser-based bar code symbol detection field 24 containing anomni-directional (visible) laser scanning pattern, generated in responseto automatic object detection within the laser-based object detectionfield 23; and a laser-based bar code symbol reading field 25, containingan omni-directional visible laser scanning pattern, generated inresponse to automatic bar code symbol detection within the laser-basedbar code symbol detection field 24, consistent with the structures andfunctions depicted in the schematic diagram of FIG. 11B.

As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, each of these laserscanning bar code symbol reading engines have the same general systemarchitecture schematically illustrated in FIGS. 22A1 through 22C. Thesystem control process underlying this generalized system design isillustrated in the flow chart set forth in FIGS. 23A1 through 23E. Thestates of operation of this generalized system design are described inthe state transition diagram of FIG. 24.

Twenty-Fourth Illustrative Embodiment Of Automatically-Activated BarCode Symbol Reading System Of The Present Invention

In FIG. 8G, the twenty-fourth illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading system hereof 700″ isshown comprising: a hand-supportable laser scanning bar code symbolreading device 701″ adapted for support within a user's hand in theautomatic hands-on mode of operation, and support upon a countertop orlike surface in its automatic hands-free mode of operation. As shown,this automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system 700″ issimilar to the bar code symbol reading system 700 shown in FIGS. 8E1 and8E2, in all but a few respects. In particular, the bar code symbolreading device of FIG. 8G can incorporate within its hand-supportablehousing 702, any of the laser scanning engines disclosed in FIGS. 11C,13C, and 14C, with little or no modification to the form factor thereof.When incorporated into hand-supportable housing 702 as shown in FIG. 8G,each of these laser scanning engines (designated by 53″ in FIG. 8G)enable automatic generation of: a laser-based bar code symbol detectionfield 37 containing an omni-directional visible laser scanning pattern,generated in response to powering-up the laser scanning engine; and alaser-based bar code symbol reading field 38 containing anomni-directional visible laser scanning pattern generated in response toautomatic bar code symbol detection within the laser-based bar codesymbol detection field 37, consistent with the structures and functionsdepicted in the schematic diagram of FIG. 1C.

In this illustrative embodiment, there is no form of automatic objectdetection provided with the bar code symbol reading device 700″, as itis presumed that the bar code symbol reading device is not to be used inportable scanning applications, remote from its base unit or host system(e.g. cash register/computer), but rather is to be tethered to its hostsystem by way of a flexible cord carrying both data and power linesbetween the bar code symbol reading device and the host computer. Aswill be described in greater detail hereinafter, each of these laserscanning bar code symbol reading engines shown in FIGS. 11C, 13C and 14Chave the same general system architecture schematically illustrated inFIGS. 25A through 26. The system control process underlying thisgeneralized system design is illustrated in the flow chart set forth inFIGS. 27A through 27C. The states of operation of this generalizedsystem design are described in the state transition diagram of FIG. 28.

Having described the illustrative embodiments of the bar code symbolreading system of the present invention in great detail above, it isappropriate at this juncture to now describe in greater detail, each ofthe fifteen illustrative embodiments of the automatically-activatedlaser scanning engines of the illustrative embodiments hereof that canbe incorporated into the above-described embodiments of the bar codesymbol reading systems of the present invention.

Automatically-Activated Laser Scanning Engine For Producing IR-BasedObject Detection Field, One-Dimensional Laser-Based Bar Code SymbolDetection Field, and One-Dimensional Laser-Based Bar Code Symbol ReadingField

As shown in FIGS. 9A to 9D, the first illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading engine hereof 200comprises: a miniature engine housing 201 realized as small as asugar-cube using presently available enabling technology, having a lowerhousing (i.e. base) portion 202A and an upper housing (i.e. cover)portion 202B; a HOE-based laser scanning module 203 as disclosed incopending application Ser. No. 09/071,512 entitled “DOE-Based System andDevices For Producing Laser Beams Having Modified Beam Characteristics”filed May 1, 1998, incorporated hereby reference, for producing andscanning a laser beam across a scanning field (i.e. bar code symboldetection field, and bar code symbol reading field); a PC board 204 forsupporting electronic circuits used to realize the subsystems andsubcomponents thereof shown in FIGS. 15A1 through 15A4, including aphotodetector 226 coupled to analog and digital signal processingcircuits and an infra-red transmitter 206A and an infrared receiver 206Bcoupled to the object detection subsystem realized on PC board, astaught in copending application Ser. No. 08/292,237 filed on Aug. 17,1994; and a scanning window 227 for covering the transmission aperture228 of the engine housing, and providing the optical functions taught inU.S. Pat. No. 5,789,731 incorporated herein by reference. Notably, thebar code symbol reading engine of FIG. 9A embodies the systemarchitecture shown in FIGS. 15A1 through 16, carries out the controlprocess illustrated in FIGS. 20A1 through 20E, and described by thestate transition diagram of FIG. 21.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the inside surface of the lower housing portion202A functions as an optical bench (i.e. platform) whereupon themajority of optical and electro-optical components of the engine aremounted. As shown in FIG. 9B, the inside surface of the lower housingportion 202A supports PC board 204 on which the circuits of FIGS. 15A1through 15A4 are realized using surface-mount componentry and liketechnology known in the art. Optionally, the data transmission circuitof the system can be realized on PC board 204 and the transmittingantenna 209, connected to PC board 204, mounted onto the exterior ofengine housing. Notably, the produced output from this bar code symbolreading engine is an RF carrier signal modulated by a serial data streamin response to (i) the automatic reading of a bar code symbol by theengine 200, and (ii) the manual actuation of the data transmissionswitch mounted on the exterior of the scanner housing.

As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, light transmission aperture 228 is formedin the side of the lower housing portion 202A of the engine housing toallow the laser beam produced therewithin to exit the housing. Anotheraperture 212, coincident with photodetector 205, is formed in the frontside lower surface of housing portion 202A, to allow return laser lightto be detected by photodetector 226. In the illustrative embodiment,light transmission aperture 228 permits IR light to exit and enter thelower housing portion 202A, as shown. To permit a flexible wire harnessto interconnect with the circuitry on PC board 204 by way of aconventional connector 210, an input/output aperture (not shown) isformed in the rear side panel of the lower housing portion 202A. With PCboards 204 installed within the interior of the lower housing portion202A, the upper housing portion 202B is snap-fitted with the lowerhousing portion 202A and fastened thereto using a set of machine screws(not shown). Additional details regarding the optical layout andconstruction details of the preferred embodiment of bar code readingengine 200 will be described hereinafter.

As shown in FIG. 9C, the integrated holographic scanning device 203comprises an assembly of subcomponents, namely: a module housing 204made of lightweight plastic and serving as an optical bench for theoptical components within the laser beam producing and scanning systemsalike; a VLD 205 mounted to a VLD heat-sinking plate 206 throughaperture 207 and producing a visible laser beam having elliptical,eccentric, divergent, and astigmatic beam characteristics in response toa voltage source applied to terminals 205A by way of a flexible circuitor other conductive structures well known in the art; a mounting bracket208 having an aperture 208A for receiving a portion of the casing of theVLD 205 and a planar surface 208B affixing the associated heat-sinkingplate 206 thereto, and also having side projections 208D and 208E forslidable receipt within spaced apart recesses 209A and 209B formed inthe rear portion of the module housing 204; a collimating lens (L1) 210for focusing the laser beam produced from the VLD; fixedspatial-frequency HOE (H1) 211, securely mounted within a first mountingslot 212 formed in the module housing 204, for modifying the beamcharacteristics of the laser beam output from collimating lens (L1) 210;fixed spatial-frequency HOE (H2) 213, securely mounted within a secondmounting slot 214 formed in the module housing 204, for modifying thebeam characteristics of the laser beam produced from HOE (H1) to producethe output laser beam; a radiation-absorbing wall surface 215 formed inthe module housing 204, aligned with the zeroeth-order diffraction beamfrom HOE H1, and absorbing the zeroeth-order diffraction beam producedfrom HOE H1; electromagnetic (i.e. coil) 216 mounted within recess 217in the module housing 204, for producing a magnetic force field inresponse to electrical current supplied to the input terminals thereof;scanning element 218 supporting light deflecting element (e.g. mirror,hologram, refractive element, etc.) 219 on the front surface of its freeend, and permanent magnetic element 220 on the rear surface of its freeend; mounting plates 221A and 221B for clamping the base portion of thescanning element 218, and mounting the same within recess 222 formedwithin the module housing 204; and a housing cover plate 223 forattachment to the top surface 224 of the module housing 204, andsecuring the laser beam producing and scanning mechanism componentstherewithin, while forming a scanning window 225 through which a scannedlaser beam can be projected out into a scan field (e.g. bar code symboldetection field or bar code symbol reading field) for scanning.

In FIG. 9D, the integrated scanning module 203 of FIG. 9C is showncompletely assembled. As illustrated, the output laser beam is scannedover its scan field which serves as the bar code symbol detection fieldand bar code symbol reading field, during bar code symbol detection andreading modes of operation, respectively. For greater details regardingthe integrated scanning module of FIG. 9A through 9D, reference can bemade to U.S. application Ser. No. 09/071,512 filed May 1, 1998,incorporated herein by reference.

Automatically-Activated Laser Scanning Engine For Producing Laser-BasedObject Detection Field, One-Dimensional Laser-Based Bar Code DetectionField, and One-Dimensional Laser-Based Bar Code Reading Field

In FIG. 9E, the second illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated bar code symbol reading engine hereof 200′comprises: a miniature engine housing 201 realized as small as asugar-cube using presently available enabling technology, having a lowerhousing (i.e. base) portion 202A and an upper housing (i.e. cover)portion 202B; a HOE-based laser scanning module 203 as disclosed incopending application Ser. No. 09/071,512 filed May 1, 1998,incorporated hereby reference, for producing and scanning a laser beamacross a scanning field; a PC board 204 (similar to that shown in FIG.9B) for supporting electronic circuits used to realize the subsystemsshown in FIGS. 22A1 through 22C, including a photodetector 226 coupledto analog and digital signal processing circuits realized on PC board204, as taught in copending application Ser. No. 08/292,237 filed onAug. 17, 1994; and a scanning window 227 for covering the transmissionaperture 228 of the engine housing, and providing the optical functionstaught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,789,731 incorporated herein by reference. Inall but a few respects, the bar code symbol reading engine 200′ issimilar to the bar code symbol engine 200 of FIG. 9A, except that theengine 200′ shown in FIG. 9E generates a laser-based object detectionfield (23), rather than an IR-based object detection field 9.

Notably, the bar code symbol reading engine of FIG. 9E embodies thesystem architecture shown in FIGS. 22A1-22C, and carries out the controlprocess illustrated in FIGS. 23A1 through 23E, and bounded by the statetransition diagram of FIG. 24. As will be described in greater detailhereinafter, the laser-based objection detection field 23 can begenerated by driving a conventional VLD so as to produce a low-power,nonvisible (or otherwise imperceptible) pulsed laser beam during theobject detection mode of operation, as taught in U.S. Pat. No.4,933,538, incorporated herein by reference. In this mode of operation,the same photodetector 226 used to detect reflected laser light, duringthe laser-based bar code symbol and reading modes of operation, can beused to detect the nonvisible laser return signal during the objectdetection mode of operation. In this illustrative embodiment, thenonvisible pulsed laser signal, reflected off an object present in thelaser-based object detection field 23, and detected by photodetector226, is processed so as to detect the presence of the object locatedtherewithin and automatically generate a control activation signal A₁=1,indicative of such automatic object detection. In all other respects,the bar code symbol reading engine of FIG. 9E is substantially similarto the bar code symbol reading engine of FIG. 9A.

Automatically-Activated Laser Scanning Engine For ProducingOne-Dimensional Laser-Based Bar Code Detection Field, andOne-Dimensional Laser-Based Bar Code Reading, Without Object DetectionField

In FIG. 9F, the third illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated laser scanning engine 200″ is shown comprising:a miniature engine housing 201 realized as small as a sugar-cube usingpresently available enabling technology, having a lower housing (i.e.base) portion 202A and an upper housing (i.e. cover) portion 202B; aHOE-based laser scanning module 203 as disclosed in copendingapplication Ser. No. 09/071,512 filed May 1, 1998, incorporated herebyreference, for producing and scanning a laser beam across a scanningfield; a PC board 204 (similar to that shown in FIG. 9B) for supportingelectronic circuits used to realize the subsystems shown in FIGS. 25Athrough 26, including a photodetector 226 coupled to analog and digitalsignal processing circuits realized on PC board 204, as taught incopending application Ser. No. 08/292,237 filed on Aug. 17, 1994; and ascanning window 227 for covering the transmission aperture 228 of theengine housing, and providing the optical functions taught in U.S. Pat.No. 5,789,731 incorporated herein by reference.

Notably, the bar code symbol reading engine of FIG. 9F embodies thesystem architecture shown in FIGS. 25A through 26, and carries out thecontrol process illustrated in FIGS. 27A through 27C, and bounded by thestate transition diagram of FIG. 28. In all but a few respects, the barcode symbol reading engine 200″ of FIG. 9F is similar to the bar codesymbol engines of FIGS. 9A and 9E, except that the bar code symbolreading engine of FIG. 9F does not generate any sort of object detectionfield. Instead, it generates a laser-based bar code symbol detectionfield 37 in a cyclical manner detecting the presence of bar code symbolspresent and automatically generating a control activation signal (A₂=1)indicative of such bar code symbol detection. In response to thegeneration of this control activation signals, the bar code symbolreading engine 200″ automatically generates a laser-based bar codesymbol reading field 38 for scanning the detected bar code symbol,collecting the scan data generated therefrom, and decode processing thesame. Upon each successful decode processing of collected scan data, barcode symbol character data and control activation signal A₃=1 areautomatically generated. If the data transmission control activationsignal A₄=1 is provided to the engine within a predetermined time frame,then the engine automatically transmits subsequently produced symbolcharacter data (from the same bar code symbol) to the host system, orintended data storage and/or processing device that is associated withthe bar code symbol reading system, within which the engine 200″ isembedded.

Automatically-Activated Laser Scanning Engine For Producing IR-BasedObject Detection Field, Two-Dimensional Laser-Based Bar Code DetectionField, and Two-Dimensional Laser-Based Bar Code Detection Field

In FIGS. 10A through 10D, the fourth illustrated embodiment of theautomatically-activated laser scanning engine hereof 230 is showncomprising: a miniature engine housing 231 realized as small as asugar-cube using presently available enabling technology, having a lowerhousing (i.e. base) portion 231A and an upper housing (i.e. cover)portion 231B; a HOE-based x-y laser scanning module 232 as disclosed incopending application Ser. No. 09/071,512 entitled “DOE-Based System andDevices For Producing Laser Beams Having Modified Beam Characteristics”filed May 1, 1998, incorporated hereby reference presented on the insidesurface of housing cover portion 231B, for producing and scanning alaser beam across a scanning field; a PC board 233 for supportingelectronic circuits used to realize the subsystems and subcomponentsthereof shown in FIGS. 15A1-16, including a photodetector 234 coupled toanalog and digital signal processing circuits on the PC board 233, andan infra-red transmitter 235 and an infrared receiver 236 coupled to theIR-based object detection circuit of the engine realized on PC board233, as taught in copending application Ser. No. 08/292,237 filed onAug. 17, 1994; and a scanning window 237 for covering the transmissionaperture 238 of the engine housing, and providing the optical functionstaught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,789,731 incorporated herein by reference.Notably, the bar code symbol reading engine of FIG. 10A embodies thesystem architecture shown in FIGS. 15 a! through 16, and carries out thecontrol process illustrated in FIGS. 20A1 through 20E, and bounded bythe state transition diagram of FIG. 21.

As shown in FIG. 10D, the underside surface of the upper housing portion213B functions as an optical bench (i.e. platform) whereupon themajority of optical and electro-optical components of the x-y laserscanning mechanism are strategically mounted. As shown in FIG. 10D, thelower housing portion 231A supports PC board 233, on which the circuitsof FIG. 15A 1 through 15A4 are realized using surface-mount componentryand like technology known in the art. Optionally, the data transmissionsubsystem can be realized on PC board 233 while the transmitting antenna240, connected to PC board 233, is mounted onto the exterior of enginehousing. Notably, the produced output from this embodiment of the barcode symbol reading engine is a RF carrier signal modulated by a serialdata stream in response to the occurrence of the following two events:(i) the automatic reading of a bar code symbol by the engine 230, and(ii) the manual actuation of the data transmission switch on theexterior of the scanner housing within the predefined time windowmaintained and monitored by the control process in the engine.

As shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, light transmission aperture 238 permitsIR light to exit and enter the lower housing portion 231A, as shown. Topermit a flexible wire harness e.g. (between the bar code symbol readingengine and a data packet transmission circuit on an external PC board tointerconnect with the circuitry on PC board 233 by way of a conventionalconnector, an input/output aperture 242 is formed in the rear side panelof the lower housing portion 231A, as shown FIG. 10C. With PC board 233installed within the interior of the lower housing portion, the upperhousing portion 231B is snap-fitted with the lower housing portion 231Aand fastened thereto in a conventional manner.

In FIG. 10D, the integrated scanning module 232 embodied within engine230 is shown comprising a CLD 245, a pair of spread apart scanningelements 246 and 247 mounted on optical band 248, and driven byelectromagnetic coil 249 and 250, respectively. Notably, x and ydirection scanning elements 247 and 246 are constructed and driven in adamped, off-resonant mode of operation, as detailed in Applicant'scopending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/931,691 filed Sep. 16, 1997 andInternational Application No. PCT/US98/19488 filed Sep. 16, 1998, bothApplications being incorporated herein by reference. During the bar codesymbol detection mode, the laser beam is scanned throughout a 2-D barcode symbol detection field. During the bar code symbol reading mode ofoperation, the laser beam is scanned throughout a 2-D bar code symbolreading field.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10D, the output laser beam 251 isscanned over the x and y direction of its 2D laser scanning field whichfunctions as the bar code symbol detection field during bar code symboldetection mode of operation, and the bar code symbol reading fieldduring the bar code symbol reading mode of operation.

Automatically-Activated Laser Scanning Engine For Producing Laser-BasedObject Detection Field, Two-Dimensional Laser-Based Bar Code DetectionField and Two-Dimensional Laser-Based Bar Code Detection Field

In FIG. 10E, the fifth illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated laser scanning engine hereof 230′ is shown. Innearly all but a few respects, the bar code symbol reading engine ofFIG. 10E is substantially similar to the bar code symbol reading engineof FIG. 11A, except that the engine of FIG. 10E produces a laser-baseddetection field similar, in principle, to the one produced by the engineof FIG. 9E. Notably, the bar code symbol reading engine of FIG. 10Eembodies the system architecture shown in FIGS. 22A1 through 22C, andcarries out the control process illustrated in FIGS. 23A1 through 23E,and bounded by the state transition diagram of FIG. 24. The sametechniques described in connection with the engine of FIG. 9E can beused to generate the laser-based object detection field from the laserscanning engine of FIG. 10E. Also, during the bar code symbol detectionand reading modes of operation, the engine of FIG. 10E is capable ofproducing 2-D raster-type laser scanning patterns for carrying out barcode symbol detection and reading operations. Advantageously, the use ofa raster-type (2-D) laser scanning pattern during these modes ofoperation enable more aggressive bar code symbol detection and readingof Postnet and PDF type bar code symbols.

Automatically-Activated Laser Scanning Engine For ProducingTwo-Dimensional Laser-Based Bar Code Detection Field, andTwo-Dimensional Laser-Based Bar Code Detection Field, Without An ObjectDetection Field

In FIG. 10F, the sixth illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated laser scanning engine hereof 230″ is shown. Innearly all but a few respects, the bar code symbol reading engine ofFIG. 10F is substantially similar to the bar code symbol reading engineof FIG. 10A, except that the engine of FIG. 10F does not produce anysort of objection detection field. Instead, the engine shown in FIG. 10Frelies on the use of automatic laser-based bar code symbol detection inwhich a visible laser beam is operated in a pulse mode of operation(e.g. housing about a 50% duty cycle). Notably, the bar code symbolreading engine of FIG. 10F embodies the system architecture shown inFIG. 25, and carries out the control process illustrated in FIGS. 27Athrough 27C, and bounded by the state transition diagram of FIG. 28. Asin the case of FIG. 10E, the engine of FIG. 10F is capable of producing2-D raster-type laser scanning patterns for carrying out bar code symboldetection and reading operations during the bar code symbol detectionand reading modes of operation, respectively. Advantageously, the use ofa raster-type laser scanning pattern during these modes of operationenables more aggressive bar code symbol detection and reading of Postnetand PDF type bar code symbols.

Automatically-Activated Laser Scanning Engine For Producing IR-BasedObject Detection Field, Omni-Dimensional Laser-Based Bar Code DetectionField, and Omni-Dimensional Laser-Based Bar Code Detection Field

In FIG. 11A, a seventh automatically-activated laser scanning enginehereof 260 is shown comprising: an ultra-compact engine housing 261having a lower housing (i.e. base) portion 261A and an upper housing(i.e. cover) portion 261B; a polygon-based laser scanning module ormechanism 262, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,796,091, incorporatedhere by reference, having an optical bench with optical andelectro-optical components mounted thereon, for producing and scanning alaser beam across an omnidirectional scanning field; a PC board 263 forsupporting electronic circuits used to realize the subsystems shown inFIGS. 15A1 and 16, including an IR transmitter and receiver 264 and 265coupled to an object detection circuit realized on PC board 263, and aphotodetector 266 coupled to analog and digital signal processingcircuits realized on a PC board 263, as taught in U.S. Pat. No.5,976,091; and a scanning window 267 for covering the transmissionaperture of the engine housing, and providing the optical functionstaught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,789,731 incorporated herein by reference.

Notably, the bar code symbol reading engine of FIG. 1A embodies thesystem architecture shown in FIGS. 15A1-16, and carries out the controlprocess illustrated in FIGS. 20A1 through 20E, and bounded by the statetransition diagram of FIG. 21. During the bar code symbol detectionmode, the engine automatically generates an omni-directional laserscanning pattern within its bar code symbol detection field 10, forcollecting scan data for use in bar code symbol detection processingoperations. Also, During the bar code symbol reading mode, the engineautomatically generates an omni-directional laser scanning patternwithin its bar code symbol reading field 11, for collecting scan datafor use in bar code symbol detection processing operations.

In FIGS. 12A and 12B, cross-sectional views of the omnidirectional andlaser scanning pattern projected within fields 10 and 11 are shown.Further details regarding the laser scanning pattern are disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,796,091, incorporated herein by reference.

Automatically-Activated Laser Scanning Engine For Producing Laser-BasedObject Detection Field, Omni-Dimensional Laser-Based Bar Code DetectionField, and Omni-Dimensional Laser-Based Bar Code Detection Field

In FIG. 11B, the eighth illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated laser scanning engine hereof 260′ is showncomprising: an ultra-compact engine housing 261 having a lower housing(i.e. base) portion 261B and an upper housing (i.e. cover) portion 261A;a polygon-based laser scanning module 262 as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,796,091, incorporated here by reference, having an optical bench withoptical and electro-optical components mounted thereon, for producingand scanning a laser beam across an omnidirectional scanning field; a PCboard 263 for supporting electronic circuits used to realize thesubsystems shown in FIGS. 22A1-22C, including a photodetector 266coupled to analog and digital signal processing circuits realized on PCboard 263, as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,796,091; and a scanning window267 for covering the transmission aperture of the engine housing, andproviding the spectral filtering functions taught in U.S. Pat. No.5,789,731, incorporated herein by reference.

Notably, the bar code symbol reading engine of FIG. 11B embodies thesystem architecture shown in FIGS. 22A1-22C, and carries out the controlprocess illustrated in FIGS. 23A1 through 23E and is generally governedby the state transition diagram shown in FIG. 24. In nearly allrespects, but a few, the engine of FIG. 11B is similar to the engine ofFIG. 11A, except that a laser-based object detection field 23 isautomatically generated from the engine in FIG. 11B during its objectdetection mode of operation. The same techniques described in connectionwith the engine of FIG. 9E can be used to generate the laser-basedobject detection field 23 produced from the laser scanning engine ofFIG. 11B.

Automatically-Activated Laser Scanning Engine For ProducingOmni-Dimensional Laser-Based Bar Code Detection Field, andOmni-Dimensional Laser-Based Bar Code Detection Field, Without An ObjectDetection Field

In FIG. 11C, the ninth illustrative embodiment of the automaticallyactivated laser scanning engine hereof 260″ is shown comprising: anultra-compact engine housing 261 having a lower housing (i.e. base)portion 261A and an upper housing (i.e. cover) portion 261B; apolygon-based laser scanning module 262 as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,796,091, incorporated herein by reference, having an optical benchwith optical and electro-optical components mounted thereon, forproducing and scanning a laser beam across an omnidirectional scanningfield; a PC board 263 for supporting electronic circuits used to realizethe subsystems shown in FIGS. 25A-26, including a photodetector 266coupled to analog and digital signal processing circuit realized on PCboard 263, as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,796,091; and a scanning window267 for covering the transmission aperture of the engine housing, andproviding the spectral-filtering functions taught in U.S. Pat. No.5,789,731, incorporated herein by reference.

Notably, the bar code symbol reading engine of FIG. 11C embodies thesystem architecture shown in FIGS. 25A-26, carries out the controlprocess illustrated in FIGS. 27A through 27C and is generally governedby the state transition diagram shown in FIG. 28. In nearly allrespects, but a few, the engine of FIG. 11C is similar to the engine ofFIG. 11B, except that the laser scanning engine of FIG. 11C does notgenerate any form of object detection field during its system operation.

Automatically-Activated Laser Scanning Engine For Producing IR-BasedObject Detection Field, Raster-Type Laser-Based Bar Code DetectionField, and Raster-Type Laser-Based Bar Code Detection Field

In FIG. 13A, the tenth illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated laser scanning engine hereof 270 is showncomprising: an ultra-compact engine housing 271 having a lighttransmission aperture permitting light to exit from and enter into theinterior of the housing; a holographic scanning module 272 as disclosedin copending U.S. application Ser. No 08/573,949 filed Dec. 18, 1995,incorporated hereby reference is its entirety, having an optical benchwith optical and electro-optical components mounted thereon, forproducing and scanning a focused laser beam across an omnidirectionalscanning field; a PC board 273 for supporting electronic circuits usedto realize the subsystems shown in FIG. 15A 1-16, including an IRtransmitter and receiver 274 and 275 coupled to a bar code symboldetection circuit realized on PC board 273, and a photodetector 276coupled to analog and digital signal processing circuits realized on PCboard 273, as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,796,091; and a scanning window277 for covering the transmission aperture of the engine housing, andproviding the spectral-filtering functions taught in U.S. Pat. No.5,789,731 incorporated herein by reference. Notably, the bar code symbolreading engine of FIG. 13A embodies the system architecture shown inFIG. 15A 1-16, and carries out the control process illustrated in FIGS.20A1 through 20E, and bounded by the state transition diagram of FIG.21.

During the object detection mode, the holographic scanning engine ofFIG. 13A generates a pulsed IR beam within a pencil-shaped objectdetection field 9, for detecting the presence of an object therein and acontrol activation signal in response thereto. During the bar codesymbol detection mode, the holographic scanning engine of FIG. 13Agenerates a 2-D raster-type scanning pattern within a bar code detectionfield 10 extending from about 2″ to about 10″ from the scanning windowof the scanner. As illustrated in FIG. 13A, the holographic scanningmodule 272 further comprises a volume-transmission scanning disc 278rotated by a small battery-operated motor supported within the interiorof the scanner housing. The holographic scanning disc 278 has abouttwenty holographic facets HOEs), each designed to produce one of thetwenty scanlines (i.e. scanplanes) in the 2-D raster scanning patternwithin the 3-D scanning volume V_(scanning). As shown, a miniaturizedlaser beam production module 279, as described in copending U.S.application Ser. No. 08/573,949, supra, is used to produce an incidentlaser beam free of astigmatism and having a circularized or aspect-ratiocontrolled beam cross section. In the preferred embodiment, this laserbeam is transmitted through a piezo-electric controlled Bragg Cell 280which directs the laser beam incident onto the underside of theholographic scanning disc at any one of a very small range of incidentangles determined by the scanning disc design process of the presentinvention described in great detail hereinabove. The function of theBragg cell 280 is to modulate the incidence angle of the laser beamabout a center, or nominal angle of incidence. The microprocessor basedsystem controller realized in PC board 273, aboard the scanner generatescontrol signals for the Bragg Cell 280 during scanner operation. Whenthe laser beam is directed at the scanning disc at the nominal incidenceangle, it produces each one of the twenty principal scanning lines inthe twenty-line raster scanning pattern as the laser beam is diffractedby the twenty different holographic scanning facets. However, when theincidence angle is modulated about the nominal incidence angle, thediffracted laser beam is swept about an infinite, but small range ofscanlines about its principal scanline causing “inter-scanlinedithering”. If the deviation about the nominal incidence angle issymmetric, then the deviation in the diffracted scanlines will also besymmetric within the resulting raster scanning pattern. Similarly, ifthe deviation about the nominal incidence angle is asymmetric, then thedeviation in the diffracted scanlines will also be asymmetric within theresulting raster scanning pattern.

Each scanning facet along scanning disc 278 also functions to collectreflected laser light towards a small parabolic mirror 281 having afocal point above the scanning disc near the motor, at whichphotodetector 276 is located. Intensity signals produced by thephotodetector 276 are provided to the microprocessor fordecode-processing in a conventional manner. The infra-red light basedobject detection transceivers 274, 275 mounted adjacent to the scanningwindow produce the object detection field 9 which spatially overlap thescanning volume (i.e. bar code detection and reading fields) over itsoperative scanning range, as shown. In this particular illustrativeembodiment, the laser scanning engine of FIG. 13A embodies the followingfunctionalities: the spatially overlapping object detection and laserscan fields taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,468,951; thelong-range/short-range modes of programmable scanning operation taughtin U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,971; the power-conserving system-controlarchitecture taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,525; and the RF signaltransmission functionalities and acoustical acknowledgement signalingtaught in copending U.S. Pat. No. 5,808,285, each of which is commonlyowned by Metrologic Instruments, Inc. of Blackwood, N.J., and isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Automatically-Activated Laser Scanning Engine For Producing Laser-BasedObject Detection Field, Raster-Type Laser-Based Bar Code DetectionField, and Raster-Type Laser-Based Bar Code Detection Field

In FIG. 13B, the eleventh illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated laser scanning engine hereof 270′ is showncomprising: an ultra-compact engine housing 271 having a lighttransmission aperture permitting light to exit from and enter into theinterior of the housing; a holographic laser scanning module 272 asdisclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 09/071,512, incorporated herebyreference, having an optical bench with optical and electro-opticalcomponents mounted thereon, for producing and scanning a laser beamacross an omnidirectional scanning field; a PC board 273 for supportingelectronic circuits used to realize the subsystems shown in FIGS.22A1-22C, including a photodetector 276 coupled to analog and digitalsignal processing circuits realized on PC board 273, as taught in U.S.Pat. No. 5,789,730; and a scanning window 277 for covering thetransmission aperture of the engine housing, and providing thespectral-filtering functions taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,789,731,incorporated herein by reference. Notably, the bar code symbol readingengine of FIG. 13B embodies the system architecture shown in FIGS.22A1-22C, and carries out the control process illustrated in FIGS. 23A1through 23E and is generally governed by the state transition diagramshown in FIG. 24. In nearly all but a few respects, the engine of FIG.13B is similar to the engine of FIG. 13A, except that a laser-basedobject detection field 23 is automatically generated from the engine inFIG. 13B during its object detection mode of operation. Substantially,the same techniques described in connection with the engine of FIG. 9Ecan be used to generate the laser-based object detection field 23produced from the laser scanning engine of FIG. 13B.

Automatically-Activated Laser Scanning Engine For Producing Raster-TypeLaser-Based Bar Code Detection Field, and Raster-Type Laser-Based BarCode Detection Field, Without Object Detection Field

In FIG. 13C, the twelfth illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated laser scanning engine 270″ is shown comprising:an ultra-compact engine housing 271 having a light transmission aperturepermitting exit of light from and exit of light into the interior of thehousing; a holographic laser scanning module 272 as disclosed in U.S.application Ser. No. 09/071,512, incorporated hereby reference, havingan optical bench with optical and electro-optical components mountedthereon, for producing and scanning a laser beam across anomnidirectional scanning field; a PC board 273 for supporting electroniccircuits used to realize the subsystems shown in FIGS. 25A-26, includinga photodetector 276 coupled to analog and digital signal processingcircuits realized on PC board 273, as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,796,091;and a scanning window 277 for covering the transmission aperture of theengine housing, and providing the optical functions taught in U.S. Pat.No. 5,789,731, incorporated herein by reference. Notably, the bar codesymbol reading engine of FIG. 13C embodies the system architecture shownin FIGS. 25A-26, and carries out the control process illustrated inFIGS. 27A through 27C and is generally governed by the state transitiondiagram shown in FIG. 28. In nearly all respects, but a few, the engineof FIG. 13C is similar to the engine of FIG. 13B, except that the laserscanning engine of FIG. 13C does not generate any form of objectiondetection field during its system operation.

Automatically-Activated Laser Scanning Engine For Producing IR-BasedObject Detection Field, 3-D Omnidirectional Laser-Based Bar CodeDetection Field, and 3-D Omni-Dimensional Laser-Based Bar Code DetectionField

In FIG. 14A, the thirteenth illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated laser scanning engine hereof 290 is showncomprising: an ultra-compact engine housing 291 having a lighttransmission aperture permitting light to exit from and into theinterior of the housing; a holographic scanning module 292 as disclosedin copending U.S. application Ser. No. 08/573,949, filed Dec. 18, 1995,incorporated hereby reference, having an optical bench with optical andelectro-optical components mounted thereon, for producing and scanning alaser beam across an omnidirectional scanning (i.e. bar code detectorand/or reading) field; a PC board 293 for supporting electronic circuitsused to realize the subsystems shown in FIGS. 15A1-16, including an IRtransmitter and receiver 294 and 295 coupled to a bar code symboldetection circuit realized on PC board 299, and a photodetector 296coupled to analog and digital signal processing circuits realized on PCboard 293, as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,796,091; and a scanning window297 for covering the transmission aperture of the engine housing, andproviding the spectral-filtering functions taught in U.S. Pat. No.5,789,731, incorporated herein by reference. Notably, the bar codesymbol reading engine of FIG. 14A embodies the system architecture shownin FIGS. 15A1-16, and carries out the control process illustrated inFIGS. 20A1 through 20E, and bounded by the state transition diagram ofFIG. 21.

During the object detection mode, the holographic scanning engine ofFIG. 14A generates a pulsed IR beam within a pencil-shaped objectdetection field 9, for detecting the presence of an object therein and acontrol activation signal (A1=1) in response thereto. During the barcode symbol detection mode, the holographic scanning engine of FIG. 14Agenerates a 3-D omnidirectional laser scanning pattern within a bar codedetection field 10 extending from about 2″ to about 10″ from thescanning window of the scanner. As illustrated in FIG. 14A, the laserscanning mechanism comprises a volume-transmission scanning disc 298rotated by a small battery-operated motor supported within the interiorof the scanner housing. The scanning disc has about twenty holographicfacets, each designed to produce one of the twenty scanlines (i.e.scanplanes) in the 2-D raster scanning pattern within the 3-D scanningvolume V_(scanning). As shown, a miniaturized laser beam productionmodule 292, as described in copending U.S. application Ser. No.08/573,949, is used to produce an incident laser beam free ofastigmatism and having a circularized or aspect-ratio controlled beamcross section. This laser beam is transmitted through the underside ofthe holographic scanning disc at a predetermined incident angledetermined by the scanning disc design process of the present inventiondescribed in great detail in application Ser. No. 08/573,949, supra.When the laser beam is directed at the scanning disc at the incidenceangle, it produces twenty principal scanning lines in the twenty-linescanning pattern as the laser beam is diffracted by the twenty differentholographic scanning facets on the scanning disc.

Each scanning facet along the scanning disc 298 also functions tocollect reflected laser light towards a small parabolic mirror having afocal point above the scanning disc near the motor, at whichphotodetector 299 is located. Intensity signals produced by thephotodetector 299 are provided to the microprocessor fordecode-processing in a conventional manner. The infra-red light basedobject detection transceiver 294, 295 is mounted adjacent the scanningwindow 297 to produce the object detection field 9 which spatiallyoverlaps the bar code detection and reading fields 10 and 11 (i.e.scanning volume) over its operative scanning range, as shown. In thisparticular illustrative embodiment, the laser scanning engine of FIG.14A embody both of the following functionalities: the spatiallyoverlapping object detection and laser scan fields taught in U.S. Pat.No. 5,468,951; the long-range/short-range modes of programmable scanningoperation taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,971; the power-conservingsystem-control architecture taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,424,525; and theRF signal transmission functionalities and acoustical acknowledgementsignaling taught in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/292,237, each of which is commonly owned by Metrologic Instruments,Inc. of Blackwood, N.J., and is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

Automatically-Activated Laser Scanning Engine For Producing Laser-BasedObject Detection Field, 3-D Omnidirectional Laser-Based Bar CodeDetection Field, and 3-D Omnidirectional Laser-Based Bar Code DetectionField

In FIG. 14B, the eleventh illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated laser scanning engine hereof 290′ is showncomprising: an ultra-compact engine housing 291 having a lighttransmission aperture permitting light to exit from and enter into theinterior of the housing; a holographic laser scanning module 292 asdisclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 09/071,512, incorporated hereinby reference, having an optical bench with optical and electro-opticalcomponents mounted thereon, for producing and scanning a laser beamacross an omnidirectional scanning field; a PC board 293 for supportingelectronic circuits used to realize the subsystems shown in FIGS.22A1-22C, including a photodetector 299 coupled to analog and digitalsignal processing circuits realized on PC board 293, as taught in U.S.Pat. No. 5,796,091; and a scanning window 297 for covering thetransmission aperture of the engine housing, and providing thespectral-filtering functions taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,789,731,incorporated herein by reference. Notably, the bar code symbol readingengine of FIG. 14B embodies the system architecture shown in FIGS.22A1-22C, carries out the control process illustrated in FIGS. 23A1through 23E and is generally governed by the state transition diagramshown in FIG. 24. In nearly all respects but a few, the engine of FIG.14B is similar to the engine of FIG. 14A, except that a laser-basedobject detection field 23 is automatically generated from the engine inFIG. 14B during its object detection mode of operation. The sametechniques described in connection with the engine of FIG. 9E can beused to generate the laser-based object detection field 23 produced fromthe laser scanning engine of FIG. 14B.

Automatically-Activated Laser Scanning Engine For Producing 3-DOmnidirectional Laser-Based Bar Code Detection Field, and 3-DOmnidirectional Laser-Based Bar Code Detection Field, Without ObjectDetection Field

In FIG. 14C, the fifteenth illustrative embodiment of theautomatically-activated laser scanning engine 290″ is shown comprising:an ultra-compact engine housing 291 having a light transmission aperturepermitting exit of light from and exit of light into the interior of thehousing; a holographic laser scanning module 292 as disclosed in U.S.application Ser. No. 09/071,512, incorporated herein by reference,having an optical bench with optical and electro-optical componentsmounted thereon, for producing and scanning a laser beam across anomnidirectional scanning field; a PC board 293 for supporting electroniccircuits used to realize the subsystems shown in FIGS. 25A-26, includinga photodetector 299 coupled to analog and digital signal processingcircuits realized on PC board 293, as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,796,091;and a scanning window 297 for covering the transmission aperture of theengine housing, and providing the spectral-filtering functions taught inU.S. Pat. No. 5,789,931, incorporated herein by reference. Notably, thebar code symbol reading engine of FIG. 14C embodies the systemarchitecture shown in FIGS. 25A-26, carries out the control processillustrated in FIGS. 27A through 27C and is generally governed by thestate transition diagram shown in FIG. 28. In nearly all respects but afew, the engine of FIG. 14C is similar to the engine of FIG. 14B, exceptthat the laser scanning engine of FIG. 14C does not generate any form ofobjection detection field during its system operation.

Automatically-Activated Laser Scanning Bar Code Symbol System ComprisingIR-Based Object Detection Subsystem, Laser-Based Bar Code SymbolDetection Subsystem, Laser-Based Bar Code Symbol Reading Subsystem, andManually-Activated Symbol Character Data Transmission Subsystem

Referring to FIGS. 15A1 through 16, and 20A1 through 21, the firstgeneralized system design will now be described in greater detail.Notably, the structure and functions of the first generalized systemdesign are provided within each of illustrative embodiments of thepresent invention described above relating to automatically-activatedbar code symbol reading systems comprising an IR-based object detectionsubsystem, a laser-based bar code presence detection subsystem, alaser-based bar code symbol reading subsystem and data transmissionactivation subsystem, as illustrated in FIG. 1A.

As shown in FIG. 15A 1-15A4, automatically-activated bar code symbolreading system 300 comprising a number of cooperating components,namely: a system override signal detection circuit 301 for detecting theproduction of a system override signal and producing in the presencethereof control activation signal A₀=1; a primary oscillator circuit301A for producing a primary clock signal CLK for use by the systemoverride signal detection circuit 301 and object detection circuit 307;a first RC timing network 302 for setting the oscillation frequency ofthe primary oscillator circuit; means (e.g. Hall-effect sensor) 335 forproducing a system override signal; a manually-activatable datatransmission switch 303 for generating control activation signal A₄=1 inresponse to activation of the switch; first control means 304, realizedas a first control circuit C₁, for performing localized system controlfunctions; a second RC timing network 305 for setting a timer T₁ incontrol circuit C₁; means (e.g. an object sensing circuit 306 and anobject detection circuit 307) for producing a first activation controlsignal A₁=1 upon the detection of an object bearing a bar code in atleast a portion of the object detection field 9; a laser beam scanningmechanism 308 for producing and scanning a visible laser beam across thebar code symbol on the detected object; photoreceiving circuit 309 fordetecting laser light reflected off the scanned bar code symbol andproducing an electrical signal D₁ indicative of the detected intensity;an analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion circuit 310 for converting analogscan data signal D₁ into a corresponding digital scan data signal D₂; abar code symbol (presence) detection circuit 311 for processing digitalscan data signal D₂ in order to automatically detect the digital datapattern of a bar code symbol on the detected object and produce controlactivation signal A₂=1; a third RC timing network 312 for setting atimer T_(BCD) in the bar code symbol detection circuit 311; secondcontrol means 313, realized as a second control circuit C₂, forperforming local system control operations in response to the detectionof the bar code symbol; third control means 314, realized as thirdcontrol module C₃; timers T₂, T₃, T₄, and T₅ identified by referencenumerals 315, 316, 317 and 318, respectively; a symbol decoding module319 for processing digital scan data signal D₂ so as to determine thedata represented by the detected bar code symbol, generate symbolcharacter data representative thereof, and produce activation controlsignal A₃ for use by third control module C₃; a data packet synthesismodule 320 for synthesizing a group of formatted data packets fortransmission to its mated base unit 440; and a data packet transmissioncircuit 321 for transmitting the group of data packets synthesized bythe data packet synthesis module 319; an object detection stateindicator (e.g. LED) 451 a bar code symbol detection state indicator 452driven by enable signal E₂ and control activation signal A₂=1, a barcode symbol reading state indicator (e.g. LED) 453 driven by enablesignal E₈=1; and a data transmission state indicator 454 (e.g. LED)driven by signal E₉=1.

As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, second controlcircuit C₂ is capable of “overriding” (i.e. inhibit and/or enable) firstcontrol circuit C₁, whereas third control circuit C₃ is capable ofoverriding first and second control circuits C₁ and C₂, respectively. Asshown in FIGS. 15A1-15A4, such control override functions are carriedout by the generation of control override signals (i.e. C₂/C₁, C₃/C₂ andC₃/C₁) transmitted between respective control structures during systemoperation. Owing to the unique architecture of the control subsystemhereof, the automatically activated bar code symbol reading devicehereof is capable of versatile performance and ultra-low poweroperation. The structure, function and advantages of this controlsubsystem architecture will become apparent hereinafter.

As shown in FIGS. 15A1-15A4, electrical power is provided to thecomponents of the bar code reading device by battery power supply unit320 contained within the housing of the device. As shown in theschematic diagram of FIG. 15B 1, battery power supply unit 320 containedwithin the housing of the code symbol reading device provides electricalpower to the components therewithin in accordance with a programmed modeof intelligent operation. In the illustrative embodiment, battery powersupply unit 320 comprises a power supply distribution circuit 325,replaceable or rechargeable batteries 326, and an automatic powercontrol circuit 330. In the illustrative embodiment, where rechargeablebatteries are employed, the power supply circuit 320 further includes asecondary inductive coil 327B, bridge rectifier 328 and voltageregulation circuit 329. Preferably, all of these subcomponents arecontained within the hand-supportable housing of the device, andconfigured together as shown in FIG. 15B 1.

As illustrated in FIG. 15B 1, the function of secondary inductive coil327 is to establish an electromagnetic coupling with the primaryinductive coil contained, for example, in the base unit 440 associatedwith the bar code reading device. In those embodiments of the bar codesymbol reading system having a base unit 440 with an integratedrecharging unit, the rechargeable batteries 326 therein areautomatically recharged whenever the bar code symbol reading device issupported in the recharging portion of the base unit. More specifically,when arranged in this configuration, electrical power is inductivelytransferred from the primary inductive coil 327A in the base unit 440 tosecondary inductive coil 327B in the bar code symbol reading device, asshown in FIGS. 15A1-15A4. The inductively coupled AC power signal isthen rectified by bridge rectifier 320, and ultimately filtered byvoltage regulation circuit 329 to provide a regulated DC power supplysignal for recharging rechargeable batteries 326.

As shown in FIG. 15B 1, automatic power control circuit 330 is connectedin series between rechargeable battery 326 and power distributioncircuit 325. The function of automatic power control circuit 330 is toautomatically control (i.e. manage) the availability of battery power toelectrically-active components within the bar code symbol reading devicewhen the device is operated in its hands-on mode of operation (i.e.removed from the scanner support stand) under a predefined set ofoperating conditions. Notably, while power distribution circuit 325distributes electrical power throughout the bar code symbol readingdevice by way of a power distribution bus, automatic power controlcircuit 330 globally enables consumption of electrical power (i.e. theproduct of voltage and direct current) by the system components onlywhen the power control circuit 330 is activated.

As shown in FIG. 15B 1, the automatic power control circuit 330comprises a number of subcomponents, namely: a DC-to-DC voltageconverter 330A; a power commutation switch 330B; and a resettable timercircuit 330C. The function of the DC-to-DC voltage converter 330A is toconvert the voltage from battery power source 326 to +5 Volts, whereasthe function of the power commutation switch 330B is to selectivelycommute electrical power from the DC-to-DC converter 330A to the inputport of the power distribution circuit 325. The function of theresettable timer circuit 330C is to control the power commutationcircuit so that battery power is provided to the power distributioncircuit 325 in a power conserving manner without compromising theperformance of the bar code symbol reading system in its various modesof operation.

In the illustrative embodiment, DC-to-DC converter 330A is realized byconfiguring a low-voltage input, adjustable output step-up DC-DCconverter (e.g. the MAX777 IC chip by MAXIM Integrated Products) with aninductor (e.g. 22.0 micro-Henries) and two capacitors, to produce a 5.0Volt output voltage for use in the bar code symbol reading device. Asshown, resettable timer circuit 330C is realized by configuring acomparitor circuit 330C1 (e.g. as provided in the LM2903 IC chip byNational Semiconductor) with external resistors R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄ and R₅and charging capacitor C₁. The function of the resistors R₃ and R₅ is toprovide to one input of the comparitor a positive reference voltage(i.e. V_(ref)) which is close in magnitude to the battery voltageV_(BATTERY), with resistor R4 being connected to the output of thecomparator for hysteresis. The power control switch 330B is realized bya N-channel field effect transistor (FET), wherein the source terminalis connected to the output port of the DC-to-DC converter 330A, thedrain terminal is connected to the input port of the power distributioncircuitry 325, and the gate terminal is connected to the output port ofthe comparator 330C1.

In the illustrative embodiment, there are three different powerswitching events which will reset the resettable timer circuit 330C,cause the comparator thereof 330C1 to produce a high output level, anddrive the N-channel FET 330B into conduction. The first power switchingevent comprises activation of manually-actuable power-reset switch 330D(e.g. spring-biased push-type button/switch ormechanical/electromechanical/electronic sensor) mounted on the exteriorof the scanner housing. The second power switching event comprisesplacing the handle portion of the scanner housing within the recess ofthe scanner support stand hereof, whereby mode-select sensor (e.g.Hall-effect sensor) 650 disposed within the handle of the housingdetects magnetic flux produced from permanent magnet 551B mounted withinthe scanner support stand recess, as shown in FIGS. 2E and 36C. Thethird power switching event comprises successfully reading a bar codesymbol and producing control activation signal A₃=1.

In order that such power switching events will effectively reset theresettable timer circuit 330C, a number of electrical devices areconnected to the input port of the resettable timer circuit 330C. Inparticular, the “good read” activation signal A₃=1 produced by symboldecoding module 319 is provided to the base of a NPN-type transistor330C2, which has its collector terminal connected to one end of resistorR₂ and its emitter terminal connected to electrical ground. As shown,one terminal of power reset switch 330D is connected to the same end ofresistor R₂, to which the collector of NPN-type transistor 330C2 isconnected, while the other terminal of power set button 330D isconnected to electrical ground. Also, one terminal of mode-select sensor(e.g. Hall-effect sensor) 650 is connected to the same end of resistorR₂, to which the collector of NPN-type transistor 330C2 is connected,while the other terminal of the mode-Select sensor 650 is connected toelectrical ground, as shown in FIG. 15B 1.

In general, there are numerous ways in which to realize the power resetswitch 330D employed in the power supply unit 320 shown in FIGS. 15A1through 15B1. In practice, however, the particular manner in which thissubcomponent is realized will depend on the particular embodiment of thebar code symbol reading system, as well as its particular application.For example, consider the bar code symbol reading system illustrated inFIG. 2A. In this particular embodiment of the present invention, itwould advantageous to realize the power reset switch 330D as aspring-biased switch provided on one of the support surfaces of thehand-supportable housing thereof. In this arrangement, the power resetswitch 330D would generate a power reset signal when thehand-supportable housing is picked-up out of its stand, or off acountertop surface, upon which it was supported while in itspower-off/saving mode of operation.

In the illustrative embodiments of FIGS. 3A and 8A, it would beadvantageous to realize power-reset switch 330D as a small spring-basedbutton on the exterior of the scanner housing, for the operator todepress as needed to reset the power supply unit 320. In the embodimentin FIG. 6A, power-reset switch can be realized as a small button on thehousing of the hand held device. In other embodiments of the presentinvention, such as shown in FIG. 5A, the power reset-switch 330D can berealized as a button provided on the exterior of the finger-supportedhousing of the scanning device. Upon depressing the power-reset button,power to the system is automatically restored. Alternatively, theswitching function associated with the power-reset button can beintegrated into the data transmission activation switch 44, 99, 120,145, 155, 185A/185B, 712A/712B associated with the bar code symbolreading system 105 (105′, 105″). Various types of electronic switchingcircuitry and technology can be used to realize such a multi-functionswitch.

As shown in FIGS. 15A1 through 15A4, battery supply 326 aboard each barcode symbol reading device is automatically charged to its normal outputvoltage (i.e. V_(BATTERY)) by way of battery recharging apparatus327A/327B, 328 and 329. A predetermined time duration ΔT (e.g. greaterthan 1 minute, preferably 5 minutes) after the occurrence of a powerswitching event, power supply unit 320 attains its steady-statecondition. At this state, capacitor C₁ charges through resistor R₁, to avoltage above Vref. This causes the output voltage of the capacitor C1to drop to a level which disables FET 330B, thereby disabling the supplyof battery power to power distribution circuit 325, and ultimatelydisabling the bar code symbol reading device. Upon the occurrence of anyof the above three “power switching” events described above, capacitorC₁ quickly discharges through resistor R₂ (i.e. R₁>>R₁), causing theoutput voltage of capacitor C1 to go to a level which enables FET 330Bto supply battery power to the power distribution circuitry 325, andthereby enabling the bar code reading device for the predetermined timeperiod (e.g. ΔT greater than 1 minute, preferably 5 minutes). Thisprogrammed duration of power supply provides a time window ΔT, withinwhich the object detection circuit of the system can automaticallydetect an object within its object detection field 9. This powerresetting operation does not, however, initiate or otherwise cause laserscanning or bar code symbol reading operations to commence or cease.Only the introduction of an object into the object detection field 9(i.e. when the resettable timer circuit 330C has been reset) caninitiate or otherwise cause laser scanning or bar code symbol readingoperations to commence.

A principal advantage of the power control scheme of the presentinvention is that it provides automatic power conservation in automaticcode symbol reading applications employing IR-based object detection asshown in FIGS. 15A1 through 15A4, or laser-based object detection asshown in FIGS. 22A1 through 22A4, while minimally impacting upon thediverse modes of automatic operation provided by the system hereof. Inparticular, provided that the user reads at least one bar code symbolwithin the predetermined time duration ΔT programmed into the bar codesymbol reading device, there is no need to reset the power controlcircuit hereof. Also, when the hand-supportable housing of the bar codereading device is placed (i.e. supported) within the support recess ofscanner support portion of its base unit, mode-select sensor (e.g.Hall-effect sensor) 650, sensing magnetic flux generated by permanentmagnet 551B, produces a signal (e.g. A₄=1) which continuously activatespower control circuit 330, causing battery power to be supplied fromrecharging battery 326 to the power distribution circuit 325, andthereby enabling continuous scanner operation in the hands-free mode ofoperation. Simultaneously, mode-select sensor 650 also causes datatransmission control activation signal A₄=1 to be generated when thehand-supportable bar code reading device is placed within the scannersupport portion of the base unit 440.

In the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, system overridesignal detection circuit 301, primary oscillator circuit 301A, objectdetection circuit 307, first control circuit C₁, analog-to-digitalconversion circuit 310, bar code symbol detection circuit 311, andsecond control circuit C₂ are all realized on a single ApplicationSpecific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) chip 333 using microelectroniccircuit fabrication techniques known in the art. In the illustrativeembodiment, the ASIC chip and associated circuits for laser scanning andlight detection and processing functions, are mounted on a PC board withthe housing of the bar code symbol reading device. Symbol decodingmodule 319, data packet synthesis module 320, timers T₂, T₃, T₄, and T₅and third control module C₃ are realized using a single programmabledevice, such as a microprocessor having accessible program and buffermemory, and external timing circuitry, collectively depicted byreference numeral 334 in FIG. 15A 2. In the illustrative embodiment,these components and devices are mounted on the PC board with the barcode symbol reading device.

In the illustrative embodiment, when automatic power control circuit 330is activated (i.e. upon the occurrence of a particular switchingcondition), electrical power from battery power unit 326 isautomatically provided to first control circuit C₁, system overridedetection circuit 301, primary oscillator circuit 301A, IR objectsensing circuit 306 and object detection circuit 307. This enables theoperation of these components, while providing only biasing voltages toall other system components so that they are each initially disabledfrom operation. In accordance with the principles of the presentinvention, the distribution of electrical power to all other systemcomponents occurs under the management of the control architectureformed by the interaction of distributed control centers C₁, C₂ and C₃.

In some embodiments, it may be desired to override (i.e. disable) theentire system from operation such as, for example, when: (i) thehand-supportable bar code symbol reading device is placed in a holsteror like structure worn on the user's belt; (ii) the device is carried onthe user's person; or (iii) the device is configured for disabledoperation. In such instances, the bar code symbol reading device of thepresent invention can be disabled simply by activating the systemoverride signal producing device 335 (e.g. a Hall-effect sensordetecting the presence of a magnetic field) mounted within thehand-supportable housing. As shown in FIG. 15A 2, system override signaldetection circuit 301 comprises AND gates 336 and 337, an invertor 338,an S-R latch circuit 339 and a logical driver 340, configured as shown.As illustrated, the clock oscillator signal CLK1 (i.e. a periodic pulsedsignal with binary logic signal levels) is provided as one input of ANDgate 336, one input of AND gate 337, and the input of logic driver 340.The system override signal D₀ from the override signal producing device(e.g. Hall-effect sensor) 335 is provided to the input of invertor 338and the second input of AND gate 336. The output of invertor 338 isprovided to the input of AND gate 337. As shown, the output of AND gate337 is provided to the RESET input of S-R latch 339, whereas the outputof AND gate 336 is provided to the SET input of S-R latch 339. Theoutput of S-R latch 339 is activation signal A₀ provided to firstcontrol circuit C₁, whereas the output of logic driver 340 is the driversignal SO DR which is used to drive (i.e. provide the supply voltagefor) the Hall-effect sensor 650 mounted within the hand-supportablehousing of the device.

As shown in FIG. 15C, primary clock oscillator circuit 301A supplies aperiodic pulsed signal CLK1 to the system override signal detectioncircuit 301 and the object detection circuit 307. In the illustrativeembodiment, the primary oscillation circuit 301A is designed to operateat a low frequency (e.g. about 1.0 Khz) and a very low duty cycle (e.g.,about 1.0%). The “ON” time for the system override signal producingdevice 335 and the IR object sensing circuit 306 is proportional to theduty cycle of the primary oscillation circuit 301A. This feature allowsfor minimal operating current when the bar code symbol reading engine isin its object detection mode and also when the system override signalproducing device 335 is activated (i.e. produces a system overridesignal D₀32 1).

As shown in FIG. 15C, primary oscillation circuit 301A comprises aSchmidtt trigger 342, invertors 343 and 344, and a NMOS Field-EffectTransistor (FET) 345. As shown, the output of Schmidtt trigger 342 isconnected to the inputs of invertors 343 and 344. The output of invertor343 produces clock signal CLK1 which is provided to system overridesignal detection circuit 301 and object detection circuit 307. As shownin FIG. 15C, the primary oscillation circuit 301A is connected to firstRC network 302 which comprises resistors R₁ and R₂, and capacitor C₁configured as shown therein. The function of the RC network 302 is toestablish the duty cycle and the oscillation period of the primaryoscillator circuit 301A. As shown, the two time constants in the networkare established using capacitor C₁ and resistors R₁ and R₂. The RCcombination of R₁ and C₁ establishes the period of the oscillator 301A.The ratio of the R₂ to R₁ provides the duty cycle of the oscillator301A. The value of R₂ is approximately 100 times smaller than R₁ toestablish a 1.0% duty cycle. As shown in the timing diagram of FIG. 15D,the clock signal CLK1 remains low while the V₁ signal ramps up. Duringthis ramp up process, the object detection circuit 307 is activated(i.e. enabled) by enabling signal E₀ supplied from first control circuitC₁, and the object detection circuit 307 provides the first controlcircuit C₁ with first control activation signal A₁=1 when an objectresiding in the scanning field is detected.

In accordance with the present invention, the purpose of objectdetection circuit 307 is to produce a first control activation signalA₁=1 upon determining that an object (e.g. product, document, etc.) ispresent within the object detection field 9 of the bar code symbolreading device, and thus at least a portion of the bar code detectionfield 10. In the illustrative embodiment automatic object detection isemployed. It is understood, however, that “passive” techniques may beused with acceptable results. As shown in FIG. 15, the object detectioncircuit 307 comprises two major subcomponents, namely object sensingcircuit 306 and object detection circuit 307, both of which are locallycontrolled by control circuit C₁. In the illustrative embodiment, objectsensing circuit 306 comprises an IR LED 206A driven by an IR transmitterdrive circuit 349, and an IR phototransistor (or photodiode) 206Bactivated by an IR receive biasing circuit 358. These components arearranged and mounted on the PC board so as to provide an objectdetection field 9 that spatially encompasses the laser scanning plane,as described above. As shown in FIGS. 15A1-15A4, the object detectioncircuit 307 produces an enable signal IR DR which is provided to the IRtransmitter drive circuit 349. The signal produced from IRphototransistor 206B, identified as IR REC, is provided as input signalto the object detection circuit 307 for signal processing in a mannerwhich will be described in detail below. In the illustrative embodiment,IR LED 206A generates a 900 nanometer signal that is pulsed at the rateof the primary oscillation circuit 301A (e.g. 1.0 KHZ) when the objectdetection circuit 307 is enabled by enable signal E₀ produced from thefirst control circuit C₁. Preferably, the duty cycle of the primaryoscillation circuit 301A is less than 1.0% in order to keep the averagecurrent consumption very low.

As illustrated in FIG. 9B, for example, this pulsed optical signal istransmitted from infrared LED 206A to broadly illuminate the objectdetection field 9, spatially-defined by the pick-up characteristics ofphotodiode 206B. When an object is present within the object detectionfield 9, a reflected optical pulse signal is produced and focusedthrough 9 focusing lens disposed before photodiode 206B. The function ofphotodiode 206B is to receive (i.e. sense) the reflected optical pulsesignal and, in response thereto, produce a current signal IR REC.

As shown in FIG. 15E, produced current signal IR REC is provided asinput to the current-to-voltage amplifier (e.g. transconductanceamplifier) 355 in the object detection circuit 307, and is convertedinto a voltage signal V₀. Within the object detection circuit 307, IRLED drive signal (IR DR) is produced as the output of AND gate 357,whose inputs are enabling signal E₀ supplied from the first controlcircuit C₁ and the pulsed clock signal CLK1 supplied from the primaryoscillation circuit 301A.

As shown in FIG. 15E, enabling signal E₀ is also provided tocurrent-to-voltage amplifier circuit 355, and the output voltage signalfrom AND gate 357 is provided as the second input to the synchronoustransmitter/receiver circuit 356. Notably, the output voltage signalfrom AND gate 357 and the output voltage signal V₀ from thecurrent-to-voltage amplifier 355 correspond to the IR pulse signaltransmitted from and received by object sensing circuit 306. Thefunction of the synchronous transmitter/receiver circuit 356 is tocyclically compare the output voltage signal from AND gate 357 and theoutput voltage signal V₀ from the current-to-voltage amplifier 365, andif these voltage signals synchronously match each other for a minimum ofthree (3) consecutive cycles of the primary oscillation circuit 301A,then synchronous transmitter/receiver circuit 356 produces as output, afirst control activation signal A₁=1, indicating that an object ispresent in the object detection field (9) of the bar code symbol readingdevice. Conversely, whenever first control activation signal A₁=0 isproduced, then this condition indicates that an object is not present inthe object detection field.

Alternatively, the automatic bar code reading device of the presentinvention can be readily adapted to sense ultrasonic energy reflectedoff an object present within the object detection field 9. In such analternative embodiment, object sensing circuit 306 is realized as anultrasonic energy transmitting/receiving mechanism. In the housing ofthe bar code reading engine, an ultrasonic energy signal is generatedand transmitted forwardly into the object detection field 9. Then,ultrasonic energy reflected off an object within the object detectionfield 9 is detected adjacent to the transmission window using anultrasonic energy detector (integrated with the housing) producing ananalog electrical signal (i.e. UE REC) indicative of the detectedintensity of received ultrasonic energy. Preferably, a focusing elementis disposed in front of the energy detector in order to effectivelymaximize the collection of ultrasonic energy reflected off objects inthe object detection field. In such instances, the focusing elementessentially determines the geometrical characteristics of the objectdetection field of the device. Consequently, the energy focusing (i.e.collecting) characteristics of the focusing element will be selected toprovide an object detection field which spatially encompasses at least aportion of the laser-based bar code symbol detecting and readingsfields. The electrical signal produced from the ultrasonic-energy basedobject sensing circuit is provided to the object detection circuit 307for processing in the manner described above.

Referring to FIG. 15F, the first control logic block C₁ will bedescribed in greater detail. In general, the function of the firstcontrol logic block C₁ is to provide the first level of system control.This control circuit activates the object detection circuit 307 bygenerating enable signal E₀=1, it activates laser beam scanning circuit308, photoreceiving circuit 309 and A/D conversion circuit 310 bygenerating enable signal E₁=1; it also activates bar code symboldetection circuit 311 by generating enable signal E₂=1. In addition, thefirst control circuit C₁ provides control lines and signals in order tocontrol these functions, and provides a system override function for thelow power standby mode in the bar code symbol reading engine. In theillustrative embodiment, the specific operation of first control circuitC₁ is dependent on the state of several sets of input signals (i.e.activation control signal A₀ and A₁, and override signals C₂/C₁, C₃/C₁₋₁and C₃/C₁₋₂) and an internally generated digital timer signal B1. Apreferred logic implementation of the first control circuit C₁ is setforth in FIGS. 15F and 15G. The functional dependencies among thedigital signals in this circuit are represented by the Boolean logicexpressions set forth in the Table of FIG. 15H, and therefore aresufficient to uniquely characterize the operation of first controlcircuit C₁.

As shown in FIG. 15F, first control circuit C₁ comprises a pair of logicinvertors 361 and 362, an OR gate 363, a NAND gate 364, a NOR gate 365,an AND gate 366, and a digital timer circuit 376 which produces asoutput, a digital output signal B1. As shown, digital timer circuit 376comprises a flip-flop circuit 370, a NOR gate 371, a clock dividecircuit 373, a comparator (i.e. differential) amplifier 372, and a NPNtransistor 374. As illustrated, activation control signal A₁ is providedto the CLK input of flip-flop 370 by way of invertor 361. The QNOToutput of the flip-flop 370 is provided as one input to NOR gate 371,whereas the other input thereof is connected to the CLK input of clockdivide circuit 373 and the output of comparator amplifier 372. Theoutput of the NOR gate is connected to the base of transistor 374, whilethe emitter thereof is connected to electrical ground and the collectoris connected to the negative input of comparator amplifier 372 as wellas the second timing network 305, in a manner similar to theinterconnection of first timing network 302 to primary oscillationcircuit 301A. Also, the divided clock output (i.e. CLK/2048) producedfrom clock divide circuit 373 is provided to the CL input of flip-flop370. As shown, the Q output of flip-flop 370 is connected to the reset(RST) input of the clock divide circuit 373 as well as to one input ofOR gate 363, one input of NOR gate 365, and one input of AND gate 366.Notably, the Q output of the flip-flop 370 is the digital output signalB1 indicated in each of the Boolean expressions set forth in the Tableof FIG. 15H.

As shown in FIG. 15F, enable signal A₀ from the system override signaldetection circuit 301 is provided as the second input to OR gate 363,and the output thereof is provided as input to NAND gate 364. Theoverride signal C₂/C₁ from second control circuit C₂ is provided as theinput to invertor 362, whereas the output thereof is provided as thesecond input to AND gate 366. The override signal C₃/C₁₋₁ from thirdcontrol module C₃ is provided as the second input to NAND gate 364,whereas the output thereof produces enable signal E₀ for activating theobject detection circuit 307. The override signal C₃/C₁₋₂ is provided tothe second input to NOR gate 365, whereas the output thereof producesenable signal E₁ for activating laser scanning and photoreceivingcircuits 308 and 309 and A/D conversion circuit 310. The output of ANDgate 366 produces enable signal E₂ for activating bar code symboldetection circuit 311.

Referring to FIG. 15F, the operation of digital timer circuit 376 willbe described. The output voltage of comparator amplifier 372 keepstransistor 374 in its nonconducting state (i.e. OFF), via NOR gate 371,thus allowing the external RC network 305 to charge to capacity. Whencomparator input voltage V_(x) exceeds reference voltage V_(cc)/2, thecomparator output voltage biases (i.e. switches ON) transistor 374 so asto begin discharging the RC timing network 305, until input voltageV_(x) falls below reference voltage V_(cc)/2 upon which the processrepeats, thus generating a digital clock oscillation at the comparatoroutput. The timing cycle of digital output signal B1 is initiated by atransition on the activation control signal A₁ which toggles flip-flop370. This toggling action sets the digital output signal B1 to itslogical HIGH state, resetting clock divide circuit 373 and starting thedigital clock oscillator described above by toggling the Q output offlip-flop 370. As shown in FIG. 15G, clock divide circuit 373 isconstructed by cascading eleven flip-flop circuits together in aconventional manner. Each stage of the clock divider circuit divides thefrequency of the input clock signal (clock) by the factor 2. Thus theclock divider circuit 373 provides an overall frequency division factorof 2048. When the clock output CLK/2048 toggles, the flip-flop circuitis cleared thus setting the digital signal B1 to logical LOW until thenext pulse of the activation control signal A₁.

As reflected in the Boolean expressions of FIG. 15H, the state of eachof the enable signals E₀, E₁ and E₂ produced by the first controlcircuit C₁ is dependent on whether the bar code symbol reading system isin its override state of operation. To better understand the operationof control circuit C₁, it is helpful to consider a few controlstrategies performed thereby.

In the override state of operation of the system, enable signal E₀ canbe unconditionally set to E₀=1 by the third control circuit C₃ settingoverride signal C₃/C₁₋₁=0. Under such conditions, the object detectioncircuit 301 is enabled. Also, when the system override signal detectioncircuit 307 is activated (i.e. A₀=1) or the laser scanning andphotoreceiving circuits 308 and 309 activated (i.e. B1=1) and overridesignal C₃/C₁₋₁=1, then enable signal E₀=0 and therefore the objectdetection circuit 307 is automatically deactivated. The advantage ofthis control strategy is that it is generally not desirable to have boththe laser scanning circuit 308 and photoreceiving circuit 309 and theobject sensing circuit 306 active at the same time, as the wavelength ofthe infrared LED 206B typically falls within the optical input spectrumof the photoreceiving circuit 309. In addition, less power is consumedwhen the object detection circuit 307 is inactive (i.e. disabled).

As illustrated in FIGS. 15A1-15A4, laser scanning circuit 308 comprisesa light source 377 which, in general, may be any source of intense lightsuitably selected for maximizing the reflectivity from the objectbearing a bar code symbol. In the preferred embodiment, light source 377comprises a solid-state visible laser diode (VLD) which is driven by aconventional driver circuit 378. In the illustrative embodiment, thewavelength of visible laser light produced from the laser diode ispreferably about 670 nanometers. In order to repeatedly scan theproduced laser beam over the scanning field (having a predeterminedspatial extent in front the light transmission window), any number oflaser beam scanning mechanisms can be used, as shown in FIGS. 9C, 10D,11A, 13A and 14A. In FIGS. 15A1-15A4, the scanner driver air unit isschematically depicted by reference numeral 381. As the scanningmechanism can be realized in a variety of different ways, as illustratedherein above, a scanner motor 380 is used to represent this structure inthe system. Notably, this scanning motor 380 need not beelectro-mechanical in nature, but may be based on electro-optical beamscanning/steering principles employing, for example, cholesteric liquidcrystal (CLC) Laser Beam Steering Arrays disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,459,591, incorporated herein by reference. Thus, the term “scanningmotor” as used herein is understood as any means for moving, steering,swinging or directing the path of a light beam through space duringsystem operation for the purpose of obtaining information relating to anobject and/or a bar code symbol.

As shown in the generalized system diagram of FIGS. 15A1-15A4, laserdiode 377 and scanning motor 380 are enabled by enable signal E₁provided as input to driver circuits 378 and 381. When enable signal E₁is a logical “high” level (i.e. E₁=1), a laser beam is generated andprojected through the light transmissive window, and repeatedly scannedacross the bar code symbol detection field, and an optical scan datasignal is thereby produced off the object (and bar code) residing withinthe bar code symbol detection field 10. When laser diode and scanningmotor enable signal E₁ is a logical “low” (i.e. E₁=0), there is no laserbeam produced, projected, or scanned across the bar code symboldetection field 10.

When a bar code symbol is present on the detected object at the time ofscanning, the user visually aligns the visible laser beam across the barcode symbol, and incident laser light on the bar code will bescattered/reflected (typically according to Lambert's Law). Thisscattering/reflection process produces a laser light return signal ofvariable intensity which represents a spatial variation of lightreflectivity characteristics of the pattern of bars and spacescomprising the scanned bar code symbol. Photoreceiving circuit 309detects at least a portion of the reflected laser light of variableintensity and produces an analog scan data signal D₁ indicative of thedetected light intensity.

In the illustrative embodiment, photoreceiving circuit 309 generallycomprises a number of components, namely: laser light collection optics(e.g. planar or parabolic mirror 379, focusing lens 384) for focusingreflected laser light for subsequent detection; a photoreceiver 385(e.g. a silicon photosensor) for detecting laser light focused by thelight collection optics; and a frequency-selective filter 386A, mountedin front of photoreceiver 385, for transmitting thereto only opticalradiation having wavelengths up to a small band above 670 nanometers. Inorder to prevent optical radiation slightly below 670 nanometers frompassing through light transmission aperture and entering the housing,the light transmissive window disposed over the light transmissionaperture) is realized as a plastic filter lens 386B is installed overthe light transmission aperture of the housing. This plastic filter lenshas optical characteristics which transmit only optical radiation fromslightly below 670 nanometers. In this way, the combination of plasticfilter lens 386B at the transmission aperture and frequency-selectivefilter 386A before photoreceiver 385 cooperate to form a narrowband-pass optical filter having a center frequency f_(c)=670 nanometers.By permitting only optical radiation associated with the visible laserbeam to enter the housing, this optical arrangement provides improvedsignal-to-noise ratio for detected scan data signals D₁, as described ingreater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,789,731.

In response to reflected laser light focused onto photoreceiver 385, thephotoreceiver produces an analog electrical signal which is proportionalto the intensity of the detected laser light. This analog signal issubsequently amplified by preamplifier 387 to produce analog scan datasignal D₁. In short, laser scanning circuit 308 and photoreceivingcircuit 309 cooperate to generate analog scan data signals D₁ from thescanning field (i.e. bar code detection and reading fields), over timeintervals specified by first and second control circuits C₁ and C₂during normal modes of operation, and by third control module C₃ during“control override” modes of operation.

As illustrated in FIG. 15I, analog scan data signal D₁ is provided asinput to A/D conversion circuit 310. In a manner well known in the art,A/D conversion circuit 310 processes analog scan data signal D₁ toprovide a digital scan data signal D₂ which has a waveform thatresembles a pulse width modulated signal, where the logical “1” signallevels represent spaces of the scanned bar code symbol and the logical“0” signal levels represent bars of the scanned bar code symbol. The A/Dconversion circuit 310 can be realized using any conventional A/Dconversion technique well known in the art. Digitized scan data signalD₂ is then provided as input to bar code symbol detection circuit 311and symbol decoding module 319 for use in performing particularfunctions required during the bar code symbol reading process of thepresent invention.

In FIG. 15J, the bar code symbol detection circuit 311 of theillustrative embodiment is shown in greater detail. The primary purposeof bar code symbol detection circuit 311 is to determine whether a barcode is present in or absent from the bar code symbol detection field10, over time intervals specified by first control circuit C₁ duringnormal modes of operation, and by third control module C₃ during controloverride modes of operation. In the illustrative embodiment, bar codesymbol detection circuit 311 indirectly detects the presence of a barcode in the bar code symbol detection field 10 by detecting its bar codesymbol “envelope”. In the illustrative embodiment, a bar code symbolenvelope is deemed present in the bar code symbol detection field 10upon detecting a corresponding digital pulse sequence in digital signalD₂ which A/D conversion circuit 310 produces when photoreceiving circuit309 detects laser light reflected off a bar code symbol in the bar codesymbol detection field 10. This digital pulse sequence detection processis achieved by counting the number of digital pulse transitions (i.e.falling pulse edges) that occur in digital scan data signal D₂ within apredetermined time period T₁ clocked by the bar code symbol detectioncircuit. According to the laws of physics governing the laser scanningmechanism employed within the implementation of the system, the numberof digital (pulse-width modulated) pulses detectable at photoreceiver385 during time period T₁ is a function of the distance of the bar codefrom the light transmission window 311 at the time of scanning. Thus, abar code symbol scanned at 6″ from the light transmission window willproduce a larger number of digital pulses (i.e. digital count) atphotoreceiver 385 during time period T₁ than will the same bar codesymbol scanned at 3″ from the light transmission window.

In the illustrative embodiment, bar code symbol detection circuit 311comprises a digital pulse transition counter 390 for counting digitalpulse transitions during time period T₁, and a digital clock circuit(i.e. T_(BCD) circuit) 391 for measuring (i.e. counting) time periodT_(BCD) and producing a count reset signal CNT RESET at the end of eachsuch time period, as shown in FIG. 15K. As shown in FIG. 15L, thefunction of digital clock circuit 391 is to provide a time periodT_(BCD) (i.e. time window subdivision) within which the bar code symboldetection circuit 311 attempts, repeatedly during time period T₁, todetect a bar code symbol in the bar code symbol detection field 10. Inthe preferred embodiment, T_(BCD) is about 0.1 seconds, whereas T₁ isabout 1.0 second. As shown in FIG. 15J, in order to establish such “barcode search” time subintervals within time period T₁, the digital clockcircuit 391 generates the first count reset pulse signal CNT RESET uponthe detection of the first pulse transition in digital scan data signalD₂. The effect of this reset signal is to clear or reset the digitalpulse transition (falling edge) counter. Then at the end of each timesubinterval T_(BCD), digital clock circuit 391 generates another countreset pulse CNT RESET to reset the digital pulse transition counter. Ifduring time window T₁, a sufficient number of pulse transitions insignal D₂ are counted over a subinterval T_(BCD), then controlactivation signal A₂ will be set to “1”. In response to the detection ofthis condition, second control circuit C₂ automatically enables controlmodule C₃ in order to initiate a transition from the bar code symboldetection state of operation to the bar code symbol reading state ofoperation.

As shown in FIG. 15J, digital pulse transition counter circuit 390 isformed by wiring together a series of four flip-flop circuits 392, 393,394 and 395 such that each flip flop divides the clock signal frequencyof the previous stage by a factor of 2. As indicated in the drawing ofFIG. 15J, the Q output of flip flops 392 to 395 represent the binarydigits 2, 4, 8, and 16 respectively, of a binary number (i.e. counting)system. As shown, enable signal E₂ from first control circuit C₁ isprovided as input to NOR gate 397, while the second input thereto is thecounter reset signal CNT RESET provided from the T_(BCD) digital timercounter circuit 391. In order to reset or clear the pulse transitioncounter circuit 390 upon the generation of each CNT RESET pulse, theoutput of the NOR gate 397 is connected to the clear line (CL) of eachflip flop 392 to 395, as shown.

As illustrated in FIG. 15J, digital clock circuit 391 comprises aflip-flop circuit 398, a NOR gate 399, a clock divide circuit 400, acomparator 401, and a NPN transistor 402. As illustrated, digital scandata signal D₂ is directly provided to the CLK input of flip-flop 398.The QNOT output of the flip-flop circuit 398 is provided as one input toNOR gate 399, whereas the Q output thereof is connected to the CLK inputof clock divide circuit 400 and the second input of NOR gate 397. Theother input of NOR gate 399 is connected to the input line CLK of clockdivide circuit 400 and to the output of comparator 401, as shown. Theoutput of the NOR gate 399 is connected to the base of transistor 402,while the emitter thereof is connected to electrical ground and thecollector of transistor 402 is connected to the negative input ofcomparator 401 as well as to the third timing network 312, in a mannersimilar to the interconnection of the first timing network 302 toprimary oscillation circuit 301A. As shown in FIG. 15K, clock dividecircuit 400 is realized as series of five flip-flops 400A to 400E wiredtogether so as to divide the frequency of the digital clock input signalCLOCK by a factor of 32, and be resettable by pulsing reset line RESETin a conventional manner.

When an object is detected in the object detection field 9, firstcontrol circuit C₁ produces enable signal E₂=1 so as to enable digitalpulse transition counter 390 for a time duration of T₁. As shown, thedigital scan data signal D₂ (representing the bars and spaces of thescanned bar code) drives the clock line of first flip flop 392, as wellas the CLK line of flip flop circuit 398 in the T_(BCD) digital timercircuit 391. The first pulse transition in digital scan data signal D₂starts digital timer circuit 391. The production of each count resetpulse CNT RESET from digital timer circuit 391 automatically clears thedigital pulse transition counter circuit 390, resetting it once again tocount the number of pulse transitions present in the incoming digitalscan data signal D₂ over a new time subinterval T_(BCD). The Q outputcorresponding to eight pulse transitions counted during time periodT_(BCD), provides control activation signal A₂. When the presence of abar code in the bar code symbol detection field 10 is detected, thesecond activation control signal A₂ is generated, the third controlcircuit C₃ is activated and second control circuit C₂ is overridden bythe third control circuit C₃ through the transmission of controloverride signals (i.e. C₃/C₂ inhibit and C₃/C₁ enable signals) from thethird control circuit C₃.

As illustrated in FIG. 15M, the second control circuit C₂ is realized asa simple logic circuit consisting of an OR gate 405. As shown, thesecond control activation signal A₂ is provided to the first input of ORgate 405, while the C₃/C₂ override signal from the third control moduleC₃ is provided to the second input of the OR gate 405, and also to theC₂/C₁ terminal. The output of the OR gate 405 is connected directly tothe E₃ enable/disable terminal in order to provide enable signal E₃ forenabling third control module C₃. So configured, the combinational logicof the second control circuit C₂ maps its input signals to its outputsignals in accordance with the logic table of FIG. 15N.

Upon entering the bar code symbol reading state, the third controlmodule C₃ provides override control signal C₃/C₁₋₂ to the first controlcircuit C₁. In response to control signal C₃/C₁₋₂, the first controlcircuit C₁ produces enable signal E₁=1 which enables the laser scanningcircuit 308, photo-receiving circuit 309 and A/D conversion circuit 310.In response to control signal C₃/C₂, the first control circuit C₁produces enable signal E₂=0, which disables bar code symbol detectorcircuit 311. Thereafter, the third control module C₃ produces enablesignal E₄=1 to enable symbol decoding module 319. In response to theproduction of such signals, the symbol decoding module 319 decodeprocesses, scan line by scan line, the stream of digitized scan datacontained in signal D₂ in an attempt to decode the detected bar codesymbol within the second predetermined time period T₂ established andmonitored by the third control module C₃. If the symbol decoding module319 successfully decodes the detected bar code symbol within time periodT₂, then symbol character data D₃ (representative of the decoded barcode symbol and typically in ASCII code format) is produced. Thereuponsymbol decoding module 319 produces and provides the third controlactivation signal A₃ to the third control module C₃.

If the data transmission control activation signal A₄=1 has beenproduced by manually-activatable switch 303 within a predetermined timeduration (i.e. time frame) set by a timer within the third controlmodule C₃, then the third control module C₃ automatically induces astate transition from the bar code symbol reading state to the data(packet) transmission state. In response thereto, three distinct eventsare programmed to occur. Firstly, the third control module C₃automatically produces and provides enable signal E₅ to data packetsynthesis module 320. Secondly, symbol decoding module 319 stores symbolcharacter data D₃ in a memory buffer associated with data packetsynthesis module 320. Thirdly, the third control module C₃ produces andprovides enable signal E₇ to the data packet transmission circuit 321.These enabling events activate the data (packet) transmission subsystemshown in FIGS. 15A1-15A4. Upon activation of the data packettransmission subsystem, the subsequently produced symbol character datastring is transmitted to the base unit 440 and therefrom to the hostcomputer 441.

Alternatively, upon generation of control activation signals A₃=1 andA₄=1 within the time period established by the third system controlmodule C₃, a different set of events can be programmed to occur. Forexample, the third control module C₃ can produce and provide enablesignal E₆ to the data storage module, and thereafter produce and provideenable signal E₇to the data transmission circuit 321. These enablingevents activate the data (packet) transmission subsystem of the systemshown in FIG. 15. Upon activation of the data packet transmissionsubsystem, the subsequently produced symbol character data string istransmitted to the base unit 440, and therefrom to the host computer441.

In the illustrated embodiment, symbol decoding module 319, data packetsynthesis module 320, and timers T₂, T₃, T₄ and T₅ are each realizedusing programmed microprocessor and accessible memory 334. Similarly,the third control module C₃ and the control functions which it performsat Blocks I to GG in FIGS. 20A1 through 20E, for example, are realizedas a programming implementation using techniques well known in the art.

The function of data packet synthesis module 320 is to use the producedsymbol character data to synthesize a group of data packets forsubsequent transmission to its mated base unit 440 by way of data packettransmission circuit 321. The construction of the data packettransmission circuit 321 will vary from embodiment to embodiment,depending on the type of data communication protocol being used in theparticular embodiment of the bar code symbol reading system.

In the case when the system employs a one-way RF data communicationprotocol, using condition dependent acoustical acknowledgment signalfeedback as shown in FIG. 17 and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,808,285,each synthesized data packet is formatted as shown in FIG. 15O. Inparticular, each data packet in each data packet group comprises anumber of data fields, namely: a Start of Packet Field 420 forcontaining a digital code indicating the beginning of the transmitteddata packet; a Transmitter Identification Number Field 421 forcontaining a digital code representative of the Transmitting Bar CodeSymbol Reader; Data Packet Group Number Field 422 for containing adigital code (i.e. a first module number) assigned to each particulardata packet group being transmitted; a Data Packet Transmission No.Field 423 for containing a digital code (i.e. a second module number)assigned to each data packet in each data packet group beingtransmitted; a Symbol Character Data Field 424 for containing digitalcode representative of the symbol character data being transmitted tothe base unit; an Error Correction Code Field 425 for containing adigital error correction code for use by the receiving base unit todetermine if an error in data packet transmission has occurred; and anEnd of Packet Field for 426 for containing a digital code indicating theend of the transmitted data packet.

As illustrated in FIGS. 15A1-15A4, the data packet transmission circuit321 comprises a carrier signal generation circuit 430, a carrier signalfrequency modulation circuit 431, a power amplifier 432, a matchingfilter 433, and a quarterwave (¼) transmitting antenna element 434. Thefunction of the carrier signal generation circuit 430 is to generate acarrier signal having a frequency in the RF region of theelectromagnetic spectrum. In the illustrative embodiment, the carrierfrequency is about 912 Mhz, although it is understood that thisfrequency may vary from one embodiment of the present invention, toanother embodiment thereof. As the carrier signal is being transmittedfrom transmitting antenna 434, frequency modulation circuitry 431modulates the instantaneous frequency of the carrier signal using thedigital data sequence (i.e. digital data stream) 435 constituting thegroup of data packets synthesized by the data packet synthesis module320. The function of the power amplifier 432 is to amplify the power ofthe transmitted modulated carrier signal so that it may be received by abase unit 440 located within a predetermined data transmission range(e.g. from about 0 to about 30 feet), illustrated in FIGS. 2D and 3D, inparticular.

In general, each base unit of the one-way RF embodiment performs anumber of functions. First, the base unit receives the modulated carriersignal transmitted from a hand-supportable bar code symbol readingdevice within the data reception range of the base unit. Secondly, thebase unit demodulates the received carrier signal to recover the datapacket modulated thereunto during signal transmission. Thirdly, the baseunit analyzes each of the recovered data packets to determine whetherthe received carrier signal was transmitted from a hand-supportable barcode symbol reading device preassigned to the receiving base unit.Fourthly, the base unit recovers the symbol character data from at leastone data packet in a transmitted group of data packets, and ascertainingthe reliability of the recovered symbol character data. Fifthly, thebase unit generates an acoustical acknowledgement signal S_(ACK) thatcan be audibly perceived by the operator of the transmitting bar codesymbol reading device while located in the data reception range of thebase unit. Finally, the base unit transmits the received symbolcharacter data to a host computer system or like device. Each of thesefunctions will be described in greater detail during the detaileddescription of the Main System Control Routine set forth in FIGS. 20A1to 20E.

In order to better understand the functions performed by the bar codesymbol reading device and base unit of the present invention, it will behelpful to first describe the principles underlying the datacommunication method of the present invention, and thereafter discussthe role that the base unit plays in carrying out this communicationmethod.

In a typical application of the present invention, a (resultant) systemof bar code symbol reading subsystems are installed in physicalproximity with each other. Typically each system is a point of sale(POS) station including a host computer system interfaced with a baseunit of the present invention and an automatic hand-supportable bar codesymbol reading device preassigned to one of the base units. To register(i.e. associate) each bar code symbol reading device with a preassignedbase unit, each bar code symbol reading device is preassigned a unique“Transmitter Identification Code” which is stored in a memory in theassigned base unit during a set-up procedure.

In the illustrative embodiment, the carrier frequency of the data packettransmitter in each bar code symbol reading device is substantially thesame for all bar code symbol reading devices in the resultant system.Also, the data packet transmission range of each bar code symbol readingdevice will be substantially greater than the distance between each barcode symbol reading device and a neighboring base unit to which the barcode symbol reading unit is not assigned. Consequently, under suchoperating conditions, at any instance in time, any base station in theresultant system may simultaneously receive two or more packet modulatedcarrier signals which have been transmitted from two or more bar codesymbol reading devices being used in the resultant system. These barcode symbol reading devices may include the bar code symbol readingdevice preassigned to the particular base unit as well as neighboringbar code symbol reading devices. Thus, due to the principles of datapacket transmission of present invention, there exists the possibilitythat any particular base unit may simultaneously receive two or moredifferent data packets at any instant in time, thereby creating a“packet interference” situation.

In order to ensure that each base unit in the resultant system iscapable of receiving at least one data packet from a data packet grouptransmitted by its preassigned bar code symbol reading device (i.e.without risk of interference from neighboring bar code symbol readingdevice transmitters), the unique “data packet group” transmission schemeshown in FIG. 17 is employed. As shown, upon the successful reading of afirst bar code symbol and the production of its symbol character dataD₃, data packet synthesis module 320 aboard the bar code symbol readingdevice automatically produces a first (i.e. N=1) group of (three) datapackets, each having the packet format shown in FIG. 15O. When enabledby data transmission control activation signal A₄=1, the data packettransmission circuit 321 uses the digital data bit stream,representative of the synthesized data packet group, to modulate acarrier signal transmitted from the hand-supportable bar code symbolreading device.

In the illustrative example shown in FIG. 17, only the second and thirddata packets of the group sent over the modulated carrier signal areshown as being received by the preassigned base unit. As shown in thisdrawing, the base unit transmits the recovered symbol character data D₃to its host computer system upon receiving the second data packet in thetransmitted group of data packets. Thereafter, the base unit produces anacoustical acknowledgement signal S_(ACK) of sufficient intensity thatcan be easily heard by the operator of the bar code symbol readingdevice which transmitted the received data packet. The function of theacoustical acknowledgment signal is to provide the operator with anaudible acknowledgement that the symbol character data D₃ (associatedwith the recently read bar code symbol) has been received by the baseunit and transmitted to its host computer system for processing and/orsubsequent storage. Notably, while the third data packet N₃ is alsoreceived by the base unit, the available acknowledgement signal S_(ACK)and symbol character data transmission is not produced as packet N₃contains redundant information already received by the second packet N₂of the same group.

In the preferred embodiment, the pitch of the transmitted acousticalacknowledgement signal S_(ACK) is uniquely specified and assigned to aparticular bar code symbol reading unit. This way the operator of eachbar code symbol reading (sub)system can easily recognize (i.e. discern)the audible acoustical acknowledgement signal produced from the baseunit preassigned to his or her bar code symbol reading device. At thesame time, this pitch assignment scheme allows each operator to ignoreaudible acoustical acknowledgment signals produced from neighboring baseunits not mated with his or her portable bar code symbol reading device.If after reading a bar code symbol, the operator does not see the visual“good read” indication light “flash” or “blink,” and immediatelythereafter hear its preassigned acoustical acknowledgement signalemanate from its base unit, then the operator is implicitly informedthat the symbol character data of the read bar code symbol was notsuccessfully received by the base unit. In response to such an event,the operator simply rereads the bar code symbol and awaits to hear theacoustical acknowledgment signal emanating from the base unit.

Notably, it may even be desirable in some operating environments toproduce acoustical acknowledgement signals in the form of a uniquesequence of notes, preassigned to a bar code symbol reading device andits “mated” base unit. The pitch or note sequence assigned to each matedbase unit and bar code symbol reading device can be stored in a memory(e.g. EPROM) realized in the base unit, and can be programmed at thetime of system set-up and modified as required. Preferably, each pitchand each note sequence is selected so that it can be readilydistinguished and recognized by the operator to which it is uniquelydirected.

Also shown in FIG. 17 is the case where the bar code symbol readingdevice reads a second bar code symbol and then transmits a second (N=2)group of data packets. However, due to interference, only the third datapacket in the second transmitted group of data packets is received atthe respective base unit. Despite such group transmission errors (e.g.due to channel corruption or non-radio transmissive obstructions), thebase unit as shown is nevertheless able to recover the transmittedsymbol character data. Upon receiving the third data packet, recoveringthe packaged symbol character data and transmitting the same to the hostcomputer system, the bar code symbol reading device generates anacoustical acknowledgement signal having a pitch or note sequence thatthe operator can hear and recognize as an indication that the datapacket reception was successful.

In the above-described data packet transmission scheme, data packetinterference is minimized by the random presence of interference-freetime slots, during which a transmitted data packet can be received atits respective base unit without neighboring packet interference.However, additional measures are employed by the transmission scheme tofurther reduce the likelihood of data packet interference. Such measuresare described in great detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,808,285, incorporatedherein by reference.

In FIG. 18, an alternative technique is shown for establishing datacommunication between the automatically-activated bar code symbolreading device and its mated base unit by way of a 2-way RF-based datacommunication protocol using digital frequency shift keying (DFSK)modulation techniques, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,460,120 and5,3221,246, incorporated herein by reference.

In FIG. 19, an alternative technique is shown for establishing datacommunication between the automatically-activated bar code symbolreading device and its mated base unit by way of a 2-way spread-spectrumsignaling techniques, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,418,812;5,029,183; 5,280,498; 5,142,550; 5,528,621; and 5,479,441, eachincorporated herein by reference.

Having described the detailed structure and internal functions ofautomatic bar code symbol reading device of the first generalized systemdesign, the operation of the control system thereof will now bedescribed while referring to the system block diagram shown in FIGS.15A1-15A4 and control Blocks A to GG shown in FIGS. 20A1 to 20E.

Beginning at the START block of Main System Control Routine andproceeding to Block A of FIG. 20A 1, the bar code symbol reading systemis “initialized”. This initialization step involves: activating (i.e.enabling) system override detection circuit 301, first control circuitC₁ (304), oscillator circuit 301, the system override signal producingmeans 333, and IR-based object sensing circuit 306; and deactivating(i.e. disabling) laser scanning circuit 308, photoreceiving circuit 309,and all subcircuits aboard ASIC chip 333 shown in FIGS. 15A1-15A4 thatare not associated with the system override detection circuit 301, i.e.object detection circuit 307, A/D conversion circuitry 310, secondcontrol circuit C₂ (313), bar code presence detection circuit 311, thirdcontrol module C₃ (314), symbol decoding module 319, data packetsynthesis module 320, and data packet transmission circuit 321. Duringthis initialization step, all timers T₁, T₂, T₃, T₄, and T₅ are reset tot=0, the Decoded Symbol Data Buffer (maintained within the symboldecoding module 319) is initialized, and the “A₃=1 Flag” (monitoredwithin the third control module C₃) is cleared.

Proceeding to Block B in FIG. 20A 1, the first control circuit C₁ checksto determine whether it has received control activation signal A₀=1 fromsystem override detection circuit 301. If this signal is not received,then the first control circuit C₁ returns to Block A. If controlactivation signal A₀=1 is received, then at Block C the first controlcircuit C₁ activates (i.e. enables) the object detection circuit 307 byproducing enable signal E₀, and drives the object detection stateindicator 451 also using enable signal E₀. At Block D, the first controlcircuit C₁ determines whether it has received control activation signalA₁=1, indicating that an object has been detected within the objectdetection field 9 of the system. If control activation signal A₁=1 isnot received at Block D, then at Block E the first control circuit C₁determines whether it has received control activation signal A₀=1. Ifthe first control circuit C₁ has not received control activation signalA₀=1 at Block E, then the system control process returns to Block A inFIG. 20A 1, as shown.

If the first control circuit C₁ has received control activation signalA₀=1, then the control system returns to Block D, as shown in FIG. 20A2. If at Block D the first control circuit C₁ has received first controlactivation signal A₁=1, then at Block F the first control circuit C₁ (i)deactivates (i.e. disables) the object sensing circuit 306 and theobject detection circuit 307 using disabling signal E₀=0, (ii) activates(i.e. enables) laser scanning circuit 308, photoreceiving circuit 309and A/D signal conversion circuit 310 using enable signal E₁=1, (iii)activates bar code detection circuit 311 and second control circuit C₂using enable signal E₂=1, (iv) starts timer T₁ maintained in the firstcontrol circuit C₁ (i.e. 0≦T₁≦sec, and (v) drives bar code symboldetection state indicator 452 using enable signal E₂=1, and ceasesdriving object detection state indicator 951 using disable signal E₀=0.Notably, the activation of these system components permits the bar codesymbol reading device to collect and analyze scan data signals for thepurpose of determining whether or not a bar code is within the bar codesymbol detection field.

Thereafter, the system control process moves to Block G where the secondcontrol circuit C₂ determines whether it has received control activationsignal A₂=1 within T₁ seconds, indicating that the bar code has beendetected in the bar code symbol detection field 10 within the durationof this time period. If at Block G the second control circuit C₂ doesnot receive control activation signal A₂=1 from the bar code detectioncircuit 311 within time period T₁, indicating that a bar code symbol isdetected in the bar code symbol detecting field 10, then the controlsystem advances to Block H, at which the second control circuit C₂checks if the A₃=1 flag has been set to “true.” If the A₃=1 flag hasbeen set to A₃=1, then the system proceeds to Block A, returning systemcontrol to the first control unit C₁, as shown in FIG. 20A 1. If atBlock H the A₃=1 flag has been not been set to “true,” then the systemcontrol process hereof proceeds to Block I, at which the data elementstored in the Decoded Symbol Data Buffer (e.g. in the second controlcircuit C₂ and/or third control module C₃) is set to zero, and then thesystem control process returns back to Block A via Blocks HH and II. AtBlock HH, the laser scanning mechanism 308 and 309 and its subcomponentsare deactivated for laser emission control reasons, and then at Block IIthe system controller determines whether control activation signal A₁=1has changed to A₁=0, indicating that the object has been moved out ofthe object detection field 9. So long as the object remains in theobject detection field 9, the system control process will reside atBlock II, thereby preventing the laser scanning mechanism and associatedsubsystems from being activated while the bar code symbol reading deviceis placed on a counter or like surface.

If at Block G, the bar code symbol detection circuit 111 provides thesecond control circuit C₂ with control activation signal A₂=1, then atBlock J the second control circuit C₂ activates (i.e. enables) thirdcontrol module C₃ (i.e. microprocessor 334) using enable signal E₃=1,and also resets the timer T1. Then at Block K, the third system controlmodule C₃ activates the symbol decoding module using signal E₄=1, resetsand restarts timer T₂ permitting it to run for a second predeterminedtime period (e.g. 0≦T₂≦1 second), and resets and restarts timer T₃permitting it to run for a third predetermined time period (e.g.0≦T₃≦5.0 seconds).

At Block L, the third control module C₃ checks to determine whethercontrol activation signal A₃=1 is received from the symbol decodingmodule 119 within T₂=1 seconds, indicating that a bar code symbol hasbeen successfully read (i.e. scanned and decoded) within the allottedtime period. If control activation signal A₃=1 is not received withinthe time period T₂=1 second, then at Block M third control module C₃checks to determine whether control activation signal A₂=1 is received.If a bar code symbol is not detected (e.g. A₂=0), then the controlsystem returns to Block H, to determine if the A₃=1 flag has been set to“true” (which it would not have been) and then onto Block I and thenback to Block A. However, if at Block M the third control module C₃receives control activation signal A₂=1, indicating that a bar code onceagain is within the bar code symbol detection field 10, then at Block Nthe third control module C₃ checks to determine whether time period T₃has elapsed (i.e. A₃>5 seconds). If at Block N the T₃ timer has lapsed,then the control system returns to Block A. If, however, at Block N itis determined that timer T₃ has not elapsed, then the system controlprocess returns to Block L, at which the third control module C₃determines whether control activation signal A₃=1 has been received. Ifnot, then the system control process returns to Block M. During typicalbar code reading applications, the control system may progress throughthe control loop defined by Blocks L-M-N-L several times before a barcode symbol in the laser-based bar code symbol reading field 11 is readwithin the time period allotted by timer T₃. In the illustrativeembodiment, the allotted time period is 5.0 seconds. However, it isunderstood that in other embodiments of the present invention, the timeperiod may be greater or lesser than this exemplary time period withoutdeparting from the principles of the present invention. Upon receivingcontrol activation signal A₃=1 from symbol decoding module 319 at BlockL, indicating that a bar code symbol has been successfully read, thecontrol system proceeds to Block 0 where the third control module C₃sets the A₃=1 flag to “true” and generates enable signal E₈=1 whichdrives the bar code read state indicator 452 (signaling the operator todepress the data transmission switch 303) and ceases driving bar codedetection state indicated 452 using disable signal E₂=0. Thereafter, thesystem control process proceeds to Block P where the third systemcontrol module C₃ determines whether the Timer T₃ has elapsed. If TimerT₃ has elapsed, then the system control process returns to Block A. Ifthe Timer T₃ has not elapsed, then the system control process advancesto Block Q, at which the control module C₃ determines whether datatransmission control activation signal A₄=1 has been received within theT₃ time frame. If the third control module C₃ determines that the A₄=0,indicating that the data transmission activation switch 303 has not beendepressed within the T₃ time frame, then the control module C₃ sets thedata in the Decoded Symbol Data Module to zero value, and then thesystem control process returns back to Block M. If at Block Q thecontrol module C₃ determines that control activation signal A₄=1 hasbeen generated within a short predetermined time period (e.g. 60milliseconds), then the system control process advances to Block S inFIG. 20C. Notably, this 60 millisecond time period has been selected inthe illustrative embodiments as it has been found to complement themanual response characteristics of most human beings. It is understood,however, that other time durations may be used with acceptable results.

At Block S in FIG. 20C, the control module C₃ determines whether thedata within the Decoded Symbol Data Buffer has been set to zero value.If this data has not been set to zero value, then the system controlprocess advances to Block T, at which the control module C₃ determineswhether the bar code symbol character data produced by the symboldecoding module is different than the symbol character data stored inthe Decoded Symbol Data Buffer. If these data elements are not the same,then the system control process advances to Block U, where the controlmodule determines whether Timer T3 has elapsed. If Timer T3 has elapsed,then the system control process returns to Block H, as shown in FIG. 20A2. If, however, the Timer T3 has not elapsed at Block U, then the systemcontrol process returns to Block M, as shown in FIG. 20B.

If at Block S in FIG. 20C, the control module C₃ has determined that thedata set in the Decoded Symbol Data Buffer is not zero value, then thesystem control process advances to Block V, at which the control moduleC₃ stores the symbol character data (produced by the symbol decodingmodule 319) into the Decoded Symbol Data Module. Thereafter, the systemcontrol process proceeds to Block W, at which the third control moduleC₃ continues activation of laser scanning circuit 308, photoreceivingcircuit 309, and A/D conversion circuit 310, while deactivating symboldecoding module 319 and commencing activation of data packet synthesismodule 320. While the laser beam is being continuously scanned duringthe data transmission state of operation, the operations at Blocks X toDD described below, are carried out in a high speed manner under theorchestration of control module C₃.

As indicated at Block X in FIG. 20D, under the control of module C₃, thedata packet synthesis module 320 first sets the Packet Number to “1”,and increments the Packet Group Number from the previous number.Preferably, the data packet synthesis module keeps track of (i.e.manages) the “Packet Number” using a first module-N counter realized byprogrammable microprocessor 334, while it manages the “Packet GroupNumber” using a second modulo-M counter also realized by programmedmicroprocessor 334. In the illustrative embodiment, the first modulocounter has a cyclical count range of N=2 (i.e. 0,1,2,0,1,2, . . . ),whereas the second modulo counter has a cyclical count range of M=10(i.e. 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,0,1,2, . . . ).

At Block Y in FIG. 20D, the data packet synthesis module 320 synthesizesor constructs a data packet having a packet format as shown in FIG. 15O,i.e. consisting of symbol character data, a Transmitter IdentificationNumber, a Packet Number, a Packet Group Number, check character, andPacket Start and End (i.e. framing) Characters. After the data packethas been formed and the digital data sequence constituting the same isbuffered, the third control module C₃ activates at Block Z the datapacket transmission circuit 321. Thereafter at Block AA, the data packetsynthesis module 320 outputs the buffered digital data sequence (of thefirst synthesized data packet of the group) to the data packettransmission circuit, which uses the digital data sequence to modulatethe frequency of the carrier signal as it is being transmitted from thebar code symbol reading device, to its mated base unit 440, as describedhereinabove, and then automatically deactivates itself to conservepower.

At Block BB, the third control module C₃ determines whether the PacketNumber counted by the first module counter is less than “3”. If thePacket Number of the recently transmitted data packet is less than “3”,indicating that at most only two data packets in a specific group havebeen transmitted, then at Block CC the data packet synthesis module 320increments the Packet Number by +1. At Block DD, the third controlmodule then waits for a time delay T₅ maintained by Timer T₅ to lapseprior to the control system returning to Block Y, as shown in FIG. 20D.Notably, the occurrence of time delay T₅ causes a delay in transmissionof the next data packet in the data packet group. As illustrated in FIG.17, the duration of time delay T₅ is a function of the (last two digitsof the) Transmitter Number of the current data packet group, and thus isa function of the bar code symbol reading device transmitting symbolcharacter data to its mated base unit. For the case of three data packetgroups, time delay T₅ will occur between the transmission of the firstand second data packets in a packet group and between the transmissionof the second and third data packets in the same packet group.

Returning to Block Y, the data packet synthesis module 320 synthesizesor constructs the second data packet in the same data packet group.After the second data packet has been formed and the digital datasequence constituting the same is buffered, the third control module C₃reactivates, at Block Z, the data packet transmission circuit 321.Thereafter at Block AA, the data packet synthesis module outputs thebuffered digital data sequence (of the second synthesized data packet)to the data packet transmission circuit (34), which uses the digitaldata sequence to modulate the frequency of the carrier signal as it isbeing transmitted from the bar code symbol reading device, to its matedbase unit 440, and thereafter automatically deactivates itself. When atBlock BB third control module C₃ determines that the Packet Number isequal to “3”, the control system advances to Block EE in FIG. 20E.

At Block EE in FIG. 20E, the third control module C₃ continuesactivation of laser scanning circuit 308, photoreceiving circuit 309,and A/D conversion circuit 310 using control override signals C₃/C₁, anddeactivates symbol decoding module 319, data packet synthesis module,320 the data packet transmission circuit 321 using disable signals E₄=0,E₅=0, E₆=0, and E₉=0, respectively. Then at Block FF the third controlmodule C₃ determines whether control activation signal A₁=1, indicatingthat an object is present in the object detection field 9. If thiscontrol activation signal is not provided to the third control moduleC₃, then the control system returns to Block A, as shown. If controlactivation signal A₁=1 is received, then at Block GG the third controlmodule C₃ reactivates the bar code symbol detection circuit 311 usingoverride signal C₃/C₂, and resets and restarts timer T₃ to start runningover its predetermined time period, i.e. 0<T₃<5 seconds, and resets andrestart timer T₄ for a predetermined time period 0<T₄<3 seconds.Thereafter, the system control process returns to Block F in FIG. 20A 2in order to attempt to read another bar code symbol.

As illustrated in FIG. 21, the automatic hand-supportable bar codereading device of the present invention has four basic states ofoperation, namely: object detection, bar code symbol presence detection,bar code symbol reading, and symbol character data transmission/storage.The nature of each of these states has been described above in greatdetail.

Transitions between the various states are indicated by directionalarrows. Besides each set of directional arrows are transition conditionsexpressed in terms of control activation signals (e.g. A₁, A₂, A₃ andA₄) and where appropriate, state time intervals (e.g. T₁, T₂, T₃, T₄,and T₅). Conveniently, the state diagram of FIG. 21 expresses mostsimply the four basic operations occurring during the control flowwithin the system control program of FIGS. 20A1 to 20E. Significantly,the control activation signals A₁, A₂, A₃ and A₄ shown in FIG. 21indicate which events within the object detection field 9, the bar codedetection field 10 and/or the bar code reading fields 11 can operate toaffect a state transition within the allotted time frame(s), whereprescribed.

Automatically-Activated Laser Scanning Bar Code Symbol System ComprisingLaser-Based Object Detection Subsystem, Laser-Based Bar Code SymbolPresence Detection Subsystem, Laser-Based Bar Code Symbol ReadingSubsystem, and Manually-Activated Symbol Character Data TransmissionSubsystem

In FIGS. 22A1 through 24, an automatically-activated laser scanning barcode symbol reading system 460 is shown having a laser-based automaticobjection detection subsystem 307. In general, this system design canemploy any of the laser scanning engines shown in FIGS. 9E, 10E, 11B,13B, and 14B. In general, the system 460 shown in FIGS. 22A1-22A4 issimilar in many ways to the system 300 shown in FIGS. 15A1-15A4, butthere are differences, as shown in FIGS. 22A1-22C. For example, thesystem of FIGS. 22A1-22A4 does not include an IR-based object sensingcircuit 306 or IR-based object detection circuit 307 shown in FIGS.15A1-15A4, but instead includes a laser-based scanning mechanism 308 forboth object serving and bar code scanning, a laser-based objectdetection circuit 307′ as shown in FIG. 22B, and a modified firstcontrol circuit (C₁) 304′ shown in FIG. 22C which enables the VLD to bedriven the VLD in its low-power non-visible emission mode.

The function of the first control circuit C₁ (304′) shown in FIG. 22C isto provide suitable drive/enable signals to the VLD in order to produce,during the object detection mode, a low-power invisible laser beamhaving a particular duty cycle, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,933,538incorporated herein by reference. During bar code symbol detection andreading modes of operation, the first control circuit C₁ providessuitable drive/enable signals to the VLD so that it generates ahigher-power visible laser beam for scanning across the bar code symboldetection and bar code symbol reading fields of the system. The firstcontrol circuit C, (304) shown in FIG. 22C is similar to the firstcontrol circuit C, (304) shown in FIG. 15F except that control circuit304′ includes a NAND gate 456, having a first input terminal that isconnected to the output of NOR gate 365, and a second input terminalthat is connected to the output of an oscillator (CLK2). As shown, theoutput terminal of AND gate 456 terminal produces a pulse enable signalE_(1L) for driving the VLD during the object detection mode. The outputof NOR gate 365 produces enable signals E_(1m) and E_(1p) for enablingthe scanning motor of the system, and the photo-receiving circuitthereof, respectively. By generating several different enabling signals,the laser scanning mechanism 308 and photoreviewing mechanism 309 can beoperated in either of two possible warp, namely: as a laser-based objectscanner or as a laser-based bar code scanner for bar code symboldetector and reading operations.

The function of the laser-based object detection circuit 307′ shown inFIG. 22B is to process (i.e. correlate) the low-power pulsed lasersignal D₁ (returned to the unit), synchronously with the low-powerpulsed laser signal (transmitted from the unit), and generate controlactivation signal A₁=1 when the circuit detects an object based on areal-time analysis of the pulsed laser return signals. In all otherrespects, the system of FIGS. 22A1-22A4 is similar in structure andfunction to the system of FIGS. 15A1-15A4.

Having described the detailed structure and internal functions ofautomatic bar code symbol reading device of the present invention, theoperation of the control system thereof will now be described whilereferring to the system block diagram shown in FIGS. 22A1-22A4 andcontrol Blocks A to GG in FIGS. 23A1 to 23E. Notably, in system controlprocess shown in Blocks A to GG, it has been assumed that the systememploys a one-way RF data communication link between the bar code symbolreading device and its associated base unit, as shown in FIG. 17. It isunderstood that alternative data communication links, based on 1-way and2-way RF principles alike, can be used with excellent results.

Beginning at the START block of Main System Control Routine andproceeding to Block A of FIG. 23A 1, the bar code symbol reading systemis “initialized”. This initialization step involves several steps,including: activating (i.e. enabling) system override detection circuit301′, first control circuit C₁ (304′), oscillator circuit 301, thesystem override signal producing means 303, laser scanning circuit 308,and photoreceiving circuit 308; and deactivating (i.e. disabling) allsubcircuits aboard ASIC chip 333 shown in FIGS. 22A1 to 22A4 that arenot associated with the system override circuit 301, i.e. laser-basedobject detection circuit 307′, A/D conversion circuitry 310, secondcontrol circuit C₂, bar code presence detection circuit 311, thirdcontrol module 314, symbol decoding module 319, data packet synthesismodule 320, and data packet transmission circuit 321. During thisinitialization step, all timers T₁, T₂, T₃, T₄, and T₅ are reset to t=0,the Decoded Symbol Data Buffer (e.g. maintained within the symboldecoding module 319) is initialized, and the “A₃=1 Flag” (monitoredwithin the third control module C₃) is cleared.

Proceeding to Block B in FIG. 23A 1, the first control circuit C₁ checksto determine whether it has received control activation signal A₀=1 fromsystem override detection circuit 301. If this signal is not received,then the first control circuit C₁ returns to Block A. If controlactivation signal A₀=1 is received, then at Block C the first controlcircuit C₁ activates (i.e. enables) the object detection circuit 307′ byproducing E₀ and drives the object detection state indicator 451 withenable signal E₀=1. At Block D, the first control circuit C₁ determineswhether it has received control activation signal A₁=1, indicating thatan object has been detected within the object detection field 23 of thesystem. If control activation signal A₁=1 is not received at Block D,then at Block E the first control circuit C₁ determines whether it hasreceived control activation signal A₀=1. If the first control circuit C₁has not received control activation signal A₀=1 at Block E, then thesystem control process returns to Block A in FIG. 23A 1, as shown.

If the first control circuit C₁ has received control activation signalA₀=1 at Block E, then the control system returns to Block D, as shown inFIG. 23A 2. If at Block D the first control circuit C1 has receivedfirst control activation signal A₁=1, then at Block F the first controlcircuit C₁ (i) deactivates (i.e. disables) the object detection circuit307′ using disabling signal E₀=0, (ii) activates (i.e. enables) A/Dsignal conversion circuit 310 using enable signal E₁=1, (iii) activatesbar code detection circuit 311 and second control circuit C₂ usingenable signal E₂=1, and (iv) starts timer T₁ maintained in the firstcontrol circuit C₁ (e.g. 0≦T₁≦1.0 second). Also at this stage of thecontrol process, the first control circuit C₁ will activate the objectdetection state indicator light 451 using enable signal E₂=1. Notably,the activation of these system components permits the bar code symbolreading device to collect and analyze scan data signals for the purposeof determining whether or not a bar code is within the scanning field.

Thereafter, the system control process moves to Block G where the secondcontrol circuit C₂ determines whether it has received control activationsignal A₂=1 within T₁ seconds, indicating that the bar code has beendetected in the laser-based bar code symbol detection field 24 withinthe duration of this time period. If at Block G the second controlcircuit C₂ does not receive control activation signal A₂=1 from the barcode detection circuit 34 within time period T₁, indicating that a barcode symbol is detected in the bar code symbol detecting field 24, thenthe control system advances to Block H, at which the second controlcircuit C₂ checks if the A₃=1 flag has been set to “true.” If the A₃=1flag has been set to true, then the system proceeds to Block A,returning system control to the first control unit C₁, as shown in FIG.23A 1. If at Block H the A₃ flag has been not been set to A₃=1, then thesystem control process hereof proceeds to Block I, at which the dataelement stored in the Decoded Symbol Data Buffer is set to zero, andthen the system control process returns back to Block A via Blocks HHand II. At Block HH, the second control circuit C₂ switches the VLD toits low-power pulsed invisible emission mode for object detection, whiledeactivating the bar code symbol detection circuit 311 and A/Dconversion circuit 310 and activating the object detection circuit 307′.Then at Block II the second control circuit C₂ determines whethercontrol activation signal A₁=1 has changed to A₁=0, indicating that theobject has been moved out of the object detection field 23. So long asthe object remains in the object detection field 23, the system controlprocess will reside at Block II.

If at Block G in FIG. 23A 2, the bar code symbol detection circuit 311provides the second control circuit C₂ with control activation signalA₂=1, then at Block J the second control circuit C₂ activates (i.e.enables) third control module C₃ (i.e. programmed microprocessor 334)using enable signal E₃=1, and also resets the timer T₁. Then at Block K,the third system control module C₃ activates the symbol decoding module349 using signal E₄=1, resets and restarts timer T₂ permitting it to runfor a second predetermined time period (e.g. 0<T₂<1 second), and resetsand restarts timer T₃ permitting it to run for a third predeterminedtime period (e.g. 0<T₃<5 seconds).

At Block L in FIG. 23B, the third control module C₃ checks to determinewhether control activation signal A₃=1 is received from the symboldecoding module 319 within T₂=1 seconds, indicating that a bar codesymbol has been successfully read (i.e. scanned and decoded) within theallotted time period. If control activation signal A₃=1 is not receivedwithin the time period T₂=1 second, then at Block M third control moduleC₃ checks to determine whether control activation signal A₂=1 isreceived. If a bar code symbol is not detected (e.g. A₂=0), then thecontrol system returns to Block H, to determine if the A₃=1 flag hasbeen set and then advances to Block I and then back to Block A. However,if at Block M the third control module C₃ receives control activationsignal A₂=1, indicating that a bar code symbol once again is within thebar code detection field 24, then at Block N the third control module C₃checks to determine whether time period T₃ has elapsed (i.e. T₃>5.0seconds). If at Block N the T₃ timer has lapsed, then the system controlprocess returns to Block A. If, however, at Block N it is determinedthat timer T₃ has not elapsed, then the system control process returnsto Block L, at which the third control module C₃ determines whethercontrol activation signal A₃=1 has been received. If the signal A₃=1 isnot received, then the system control process returns to Block M. Duringtypical bar code reading applications, the control system may progressthrough the control loop defined by Blocks L-M-N-L several times beforea bar code symbol in the bar code symbol reading field 25 is detectedand read within the time period allotted by timer T₃. In theillustrative embodiment, the allotted time period is 5.0 seconds.However, it is understood that in other embodiments of the presentinvention the time period may be greater or lesser than this exemplarytime period without departing from the scope and spirit of the presentinvention.

Upon receiving control activation signal A₃=1 from symbol decodingmodule 319 at Block L, indicating that a bar code symbol has beensuccessfully read, the system control process proceeds to Block 0 wherethe third control module C₃ sets the A₃=1 flag equal to “true,” andgenerates enable signal E₈=1 to drive the bar code symbol read indicator453. Thereafter, the system control process proceeds to Block P wherethe third control module C₃ determines whether the Timer T₃ has elapsed.If Timer T₃ has elapsed, then the system control process returns toBlock A. If the Timer T₃ has not elapsed, then the system controlprocess advances to Block Q, at which the control module C₃ determineswhether data transmission control activation signal A₄=1 (produced bydata transmission activation switch 303) within the predefined timeframe. If the third control module C₃ determines that A₄=0, indicatingthat the data transmission activation switch 303 has not been depressedwithin the above-specified time frame, then at Block R, the controlmodule C₃ sets the data in the Decoded Symbol Data Module to zero value,and then the system control process returns back to Block M. If at BlockQ the third control module C₃ determines that A₄=1 has been generatedand received with a short predetermined time period (e.g. 60milliseconds), then the system control process advances to Block S inFIG. 23C.

At Block S in FIG. 23C, the control module C₃ determines whether thedata within the Decoded Symbol Data Buffer has been set to zero value.If this data has not been set to zero value, then the system controlprocess advances to Block T, at which the control module C₃ determineswhether the bar code symbol character data produced by the symboldecoding module is different than the symbol character data stored inthe Decoded Symbol Data Buffer. If such data elements are not the same,then the system control process advances to Block U, where the controlmodule C₃ determines whether Timer T₃ has elapsed. If Timer T₃ haselapsed, then the system control process returns to Block H, as shown inFIG. 23A 2. If, however, the Timer T₃ has not elapsed at Block U, thenthe system control process returns to Block M, as shown in FIG. 23B.

If at Block S in FIG. 23C, the control module C₃ has determined that thedata set in the Decoded Symbol Data Buffer is not zero value, then thesystem control process advances to Block V, at which the control moduleC₃ stores the symbol character data (produced by the symbol decodingmodule 319) into the Decoded Symbol Data Module, and then generatesenable signal E₉=1 to drive the data transmission state indicator 454 onthe bar-code symbol reading device. Thereafter, the system controlprocess proceeds to Block W, at which the third control module C₃continues activation of laser scanning circuit 308, photoreceivingcircuit 109 and A/D conversion circuit 310, while deactivating symboldecoding module 319 and commencing activation of data packet synthesismodule 320. While the laser beam is continuously scanned across the barcode reading (or detection) fields, the operations at Blocks X to DDdescribed below, are carried out in a high speed manner under theorchestration of third control module C₃.

As indicated at Block X in FIG. 23D, under the control of module C₃, thedata packet synthesis module 320 first sets the Packet Number to “1”,and increments the Packet Group Number from the previous number.Preferably, the data packet synthesis module keeps track of (i.e.manages) the “Packet Number” using a first module counter realized byprogrammable microprocessor 334, while it manages the “Packet GroupNumber” using a second modulo-M counter also realized by programmedmicroprocessor 334. In the illustrative embodiment, the first modulocounter has a cyclical count range of N=2 (i.e. 0,1,2,0,1,2, . . . ),whereas the second modulo counter has a cyclical count range of M=10(i.e. 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,0,1,2, . . . ).

At Block Y in FIG. 23D, the data packet synthesis module synthesizes orconstructs a data packet having a packet format as shown in FIG. 15O,i.e. consisting of Symbol Character Data, a Transmitter IdentificationNumber, a Packet Number, a Packet Group Number, Error Check Character,and Packet Start and End (i.e. framing) Characters. After the datapacket has been formed and the digital data sequence constituting thesame is buffered, the third control module C₃ activates the data packettransmission circuit 321 at Block Z. Thereafter at Block AA, the datapacket synthesis module outputs 320 the buffered digital data sequence(of the first synthesized data packet of the group) to the data packettransmission circuit 321, which uses the digital data sequence tomodulate the frequency of the (RF) carrier signal as it is beingtransmitted from the bar code symbol reading device, to its mated baseunit 440, as described hereinabove, and then automatically deactivatesitself to conserve power.

At Block BB, the third control module C₃ determines whether the PacketNumber counted by the first module counter is less than “3”. If thePacket Number of the recently transmitted data packet is less than “3”,indicating that at most only two data packets in a specific group havebeen transmitted, then at Block CC the data packet synthesis module 320increments the Packet Number by +1. At Block DD, the third controlmodule then waits for a time delay T₅ to lapse prior to the controlsystem process returning to Block Y, as shown in FIG. 23D. Notably, theoccurrence of time delay T₅ causes a delay in transmission of the nextdata packet in the data packet group.

Returning to Block Y in FIG. 23D, the data packet synthesis module 320synthesizes or constructs the second data packet in the same data packetgroup. After the second data packet has been formed and the digital datasequence constituting the same is buffered, the third control module C₃reactivates at Block Z the data packet transmission circuit. Thereafter,at Block SS, the data packet synthesis module 320 outputs the buffereddigital data sequence (of the second synthesized data packet) to thedata packet transmission circuit 321, which uses the digital datasequence to modulate the frequency of the carrier signal as it is beingtransmitted from the bar code symbol reading device, to its mated baseunit 440, and thereafter automatically deactivates itself. When at BlockBB, the third control module C₃ determines that the Packet Number isequal to “3”, the control system process advances to Block EE in FIG.23E.

At Block EE in FIG. 23E, the third control module C₃ generates enablesignal E_(1L) to drive the VLD in its low-power pulsed emission mode(for object detection) activates the object detection circuit 307′, andcontinues activation of laser scanning circuit 308, photoreceivingcircuit 309, and A/D conversion circuit 310 using control overridesignals C₃/C₁, and deactivates symbol decoding module 319, data packetsynthesis module 320 and the data packet transmission circuit 321 usingdisable signals E₄=0, E₅=0 and E₆=0, respectively. Then at Block FF thethird control module C₃ determines whether control activation signalA₁=1, indicating that an object is present in the object detection field23. If this control activation signal is not provided to the thirdcontrol module C₃, then the system control process returns to Block A,as shown. If control activation signal A₁=1 is received, then at BlockGG the third control module C₃ reactivates the bar code symbol detectioncircuit 311 using override signal C₃/C₂, and resets and restarts timerT₃ to start running over its predetermined time period (i.e. 0≦T₃≦5seconds), and resets and restart timer T₄ for a predetermined timeperiod (i.e. 0≦T₄≦3 seconds). Thereafter, the system control processreturns to Block F in FIG. 23A 2 in order to attempt to read another barcode symbol.

Having described the operation of the automatic hand-supportable barcode reading system of the second generalized system embodiment 460, itwill be helpful to describe at this juncture the various conditionswhich cause state transitions to occur during its operation. In thisregard, reference is made to FIG. 24 which provides a state transitiondiagram for the illustrative embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 24, the automatic hand-supportable bar codereading device of the present invention has four basic states ofoperation namely: object detection, bar code symbol presence detection,bar code symbol reading, and symbol character data transmission/storage.The nature of each of these states has been described above in greatdetail.

Transitions between the various states are indicated by directionalarrows. Besides each set of directional arrows are transition conditionsexpressed in terms of control activation signals (e.g. A₁, A₂, A₃ andA₄) and where appropriate, state time intervals (e.g. T₁, T₂, T₃, T₄,and T₅). Conveniently, the state diagram of FIG. 24 expresses mostsimply the four basic operations occurring during the control flowwithin the system control program of FIGS. 23A1 to 23E. Significantly,the control activation signals A₁, A₂, A₃ and A₄ in FIG. 24 indicatewhich events within the object detection and/or bar codedetection/reading fields can operate to effect a state transition withinthe allotted time frame(s), where prescribed.

Automatically-Activated Laser Scanning Bar Code Symbol System HavingPulsed Laser-Based Bar Code Symbol Presence Detection Subsystem,Laser-Based Bar Code Symbol Reading Subsystem, and Manually-ActivatedSymbol Character Data Transmission Subsystem

In FIG. 25A through 28, automatic bar code reading system 480 comprisesa number of system components, namely: a hand supportable, body-wearableof otherwise portable housing 481 for compactly containing thesubcomponents within the system; a laser scanning mechanism 482,photoreceiving circuit 483, analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion circuit484, bar code presence detection module 485; symbol decoding characterdata storage unit 488, data transmission circuit 489 module 486; a dataformat conversion module 487; a bar code symbol detectionstate-indicator 491, a bar code reading state indicator 492; a datatransmission state indicator 493, support-stand detection means (e.g.Hall-effect sensor) 494; and a manually-activatable data transmissionsswitch 495 for activating the data transmission mode of the system. Asillustrated, these components are operably associated with aprogrammable system controller 496 which programmed to carry out asystem control process in accordance with the present invention.

In the illustrated embodiment, system controller 496, bar code presencedetection module 485, symbol decoding module 486, and data formatconversion module 487 are realized using a single programmable device,such as a microprocessor, having accessible program and buffer memory,and external timing circuitry. It is understood, however, that any ofthese elements may be realized using separate discrete components aswill be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art.

Automatic hand-supportable bar code reading system 480 also includespower receiving lines 497 which lead to conventional power distributioncircuitry (not shown) for providing requisite power to each of thesystem components, when and for time prescribed by the system controller496. As illustrated, power receiving lines 497 run alongside datacommunication lines 498 and are physically associated with multi-pinconnector plug 499 at the end of flexible scanner cable 500. An on/offpower switch or functionally equivalent device (not shown) may beprovided external to the hand-supportable housing to permit the user toselectively energize and deenergize the device. In the illustrativeembodiment, power delivered through flexible scanner cable 500 to thebar code symbol reading device is continuously provided to systemcontroller 446 so as to continuously enable its operation, while onlybiasing voltages and the like are provided to all other systemcomponents. In this way, each system component must be activated (i.e.enabled) by the system controller in accordance with its preprogrammedsystem control routine to be described in detail hereinafter.

As illustrated in FIGS. 25A and 25B, laser scanning mechanism 482comprises a light source 501 which, in general, may be any source ofintense light suitably selected for maximizing the reflectively from theobject's surface bearing the bar code symbol. In the illustrativeembodiment, light source 501 comprises a solid-state visible laser diode(VLD) which is driven by a conventional laser diode driver circuit 502.The wavelength of visible laser light produced from the laser diode ispreferably about 670 nanometers. In order to repeatedly scan theproduced laser beam over bar code symbol detection and reading fields(37 and 38), each such field has a predetermined spatial extent in frontof the engine or scanner housing, as illustrated in the figures hereof.A planar scanning mirror, flipper-type scanning element, or otherscanning element 503, based on principles of reflection, diffractionand/or refraction, is moved by an electrically-powered scanning motor504 driven by a driver circuit 505. While one suitable flipper-typescanning element is disclosed in copending application Ser. No.09/154,020, filed Sep. 16, 1998, it is understood that other types ofscanning mechanism, known in the art or to be developed in the future,may be used to practice this generalized embodiment of the presentinvention. Thus, one of a variety of conventional laser scanningmechanisms may be alternatively used with excellent results.

To selectively activate laser light source 501 and scanning motor 504,the system controller 496 provides laser diode scanner enable signalE_(L), and scanning motor enable signal E_(M), as input to drivercircuits 502 and 505 respectively. When enable signal E_(L) is a logical“high” level (i.e. E_(L)=1) a laser beam is generated from VLD 504 andprojected through the light transmission window of the scanner housing481, and when E_(M) is a logical high level the laser beam is repeatedlyscanned across the bar code symbol detection and reading fields 37 and38 respectively, depending on the mode of operation of the system.

When a bar code symbol on an object is within the bar code symboldetection field 37 at the time of scanning, the incident laser light onthe bar code will be scattered and reflected. This scattering/reflectionprocess produces a laser light return signal of variable intensity whichrepresents a spatial variation of light reflectivity characteristic ofthe spaced apart pattern of bars comprising the bar code symbol.Photoreceiving circuit 483 detects at least a portion of the reflectedlaser light of variable intensity. Upon detection of this reflectedlaser light, photoreceiving circuit 483 produces an analog scan datasignal D₁ indicative of the detected light intensity.

In the illustrative embodiment, photoreceiving circuit 483 generallycomprises laser light collection optics 507, which focus reflected laserlight for subsequent detection by a photoreceiver 508 having, mounted infront of its sensor, a frequency selective filter 509 which onlytransmits optical radiation of wavelengths up to a small band above 670nanometers. Photoreceiver 508, in turn, produces an analog signal whichis subsequently amplified by preamplifier 510 to produce analog scandata signal D₁. In combination with laser scanning mechanism 482 andphotoreceiving circuit 483 cooperate to generate analog scan datasignals D₁ from the scanning field over time intervals specified by thesystem controller 496. As will be illustrated hereinafter, these scandata signals are used by bar code symbol detection module 485, andsymbol decoding module 486, to perform particular functions. Asillustrated in FIGS. 25A and 25B, analog scan data signal D₁ is providedas input to A/D conversion circuit 484. As is well known in the art, A/Dconversion circuit 484 processes analog scan data signal D₁ to provide adigital scan data signal D₂ which resembles, in form, a pulse widthmodulated signal, where logical “1” signal levels represent spaces ofthe scanned bar code and logical “O” signal levels represent bars of thescanned bar code. A/D conversion circuit 484 can be realized by anyconventional A/D circuit well known to those with ordinary skill in theart. Digitized scan data signal D₂ is then provided as input to bar codesymbol detection module 485, and symbol decoding module 486.

The purpose and function of bar code symbol detection module 485 is todetermine whether a bar code is present in or absent from the bar codedetection field 37 over particular intervals specified by the systemcontroller 496. When a bar code symbol is detected in the bar codedetection field 37, bar code detection module 485 generates secondcontrol activation signal A₂ (i.e. A₁) which is provided as input to thesystem controller, as shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B. Preferably, bar codesymbol detection module 485 is realized as a microcode program carriedout by the microprocessor and associated program and buffer memory,described hereinbefore. The function of the bar code detection module485 is not to carry out a decoding process, but rather to rapidlydetermine whether the received scan data signals represent a bar codesymbol residing within the bar code detection field 37.

There are a number of ways in which to achieve bar code symbol detectionthrough a programming implementation. For example, in the preferredembodiment, bar code symbol detection module 485 detects the first andsecond borders of the bar code symbol “envelope.” This is achieved byfirst processing a digital scan data signal D₂ to produce digital“count” and “sign” data. The digital count data is representative of themeasured time interval (i.e. duration) of each signal level occurringbetween detected signal level transitions which occur in digitized scandata signal D₂. The digital sign data, on the other hand, indicateswhether the signal level between detected signal level transitions iseither a logical “1,” representative of a space, or a logical “0,”representative of a bar within a bar code symbol. Using the digitalcount and sign data, the bar code presence detection 485 moduleidentifies the first and second borders of the bar code envelope, andthereby determines whether or not the envelope of a bar code symbol isrepresented by the scan data collected from the bar code detection field37. When a bar code symbol envelope is detected, the bar code symboldetection module 485 provides second control activation signal A₂=1 tothe system controller. As will be described in greater detailhereinafter, second control activation signal A₂=1 causes the system toundergo a transition from bar code presence detection state to bar codesymbol reading state.

Returning to FIGS. 25A and 25B, the function of symbol decoding module486 is to process, scan line by scan line, the stream of digitized scandata D₂, in an attempt to decode a valid bar code symbol within apredetermined time period allowed by the system controller. In general,when symbol decoding module 486 successfully decodes a bar code symbolwithin the predetermined time period, symbol character data D₃(typically in ASCII code format) corresponding to the decoded bar codesymbol is produced. Thereupon, a third control activation signal A₃=1 isproduced by the symbol decoding module and is provided to the systemcontroller in order to perform its system control functions. When thedata activation switch 495 is manually activated during a bar codesymbol reading cycle, in response to the generation of activation signalA₃=1, and all other conditions are satisfied (i.e. A₄=1, T₂<0.5 seconds,and the symbol character data is different than the data element in theDecoded Symbol Data Buffer), then the system controller 496automatically generates data transmission enable signal E_(DT)=1.

As will be illustrated in greater detail hereinafter, the systemcontroller 496 provides enable signals E_(FC), E_(DS), E_(DT), E_(DM),E_(AD), E_(PD), E_(L), and E_(m) to data format conversion module 487,data storage unit 488 and data transmission circuit 489, bar codedetection module 485, A/D conversion circuit 484, photoreceiving circuit483, VLD drive circuit 502 and scanning motor drive circuit 505,respectively, at particular stages of its control program. Asillustrated in FIGS. 25A and 25B, symbol decoding module 486 providessymbol character data D₃ to data format module 487 to convert data D₃into two differently formatted types of symbol character data, namely D₄and D₅. Format-converted symbol character data D₅ is of the “packeddata” format, particularly adapted for efficient storage in data storageunit 488. Format-converted symbol character data D₅ is particularlyadapted for data transmission to host computer system 52 (e.g. anelectronic cash register). When symbol character data D₄ is to beconverted into the format of the user's choice (based on a selectedoption mode), the system controller 496 provides enable signal E_(DS) todata storage unit 488, as shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B. Format-converteddata symbol character D₅ is transmitted to host device 512 only whendata transmission control switch 495 has been activated during a barcode symbol reading cycle and all preconditions for data transmissionhave been satisfied within the system. Thereupon, data transmissioncircuit 512 transmits format-converted symbol character data D₅ to hostcomputer system 512, via the data transmission lines 498 of the flexiblescanner connector cable 500.

Having described the detailed structure and internal functions of theautomatic bar code reading device of the third generalized systemembodiment, the operation of its system controller will now be describedwith reference to system block diagram shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, theintensity versus time characteristic shown in FIG. 26 and Blocks A to Sshown in FIGS. 27A through 27C.

Beginning at the START block of Main System Control Routine of FIG. 27Aand proceeding to Block A, the bar code reading system 480 isinitialized. This involves continuously activating the system controller496, visible laser diode (VLD) 501, scanning motor 504, photoreceivingcircuit 483, A/D conversion circuit 484, bar code detection module 485.The system controller 496, on the other hand, deactivates (i.e.disables) the remainder of activatable system components, e.g. bar codesymbol decoding module 486, data format conversion module 486, datastorage unit 488, and data transmission circuit 489. Timers, T1 (e.g.0≦T1≦0.5 seconds) and T_(laser off) (e.g. 0≦T_(laser off)≦0.5 seconds),are maintained by the system controller, and as indicated at Block A,are reset to t=0 seconds. At Block A, the system controller alsoinitializes the Decoded Symbol Data Buffer (maintained by the systemcontroller) and clears the A₃=1 flag which is used during the systemcontrol process to be detailed hereinbelow, and drives the bar codesymbol state indicator 491 using enable signals E_(L)=1 and E_(M)=1.

At Block B, the system controller starts timer T1 and permits it to runfor a preset time period 0≦T₁≦0.5 seconds. Notably, timer T1 may beimplemented in a variety of ways well known in art. Proceeding to BlockC, the system controller checks to determine whether control activationsignal A₂=1 is received from bar code detection module 485 within timeperiod T1. If activation control signal A₂=1 is not received within thistime period, indicating that a bar code has not been detected in the barcode detection field 37, then the system control process proceeds toBlock D. At Block D, the system controller determines whether the A₃=1flag has been set to “true.” If this flag has not been set to this valueat this stage of the system control process, then the system controlprocess proceeds to Block E, at which it sets the data element in theDecoded Symbol Data Buffer to zero, and then advances to Block F. AtBlock F, the system controller starts timer T_(laser off) defined above,and then deactivates the VLD 501, the laser scanning motor 504, thephotoreceiving circuit 483, the A/D conversion circuit 484, and the barcode detection module 485 for using disable signals E_(L)=0, E_(M)=0,E_(PD)=0, E_(AD)=0, and E_(DM)=0 respectively, the time duration of thistimer. After Timer T_(laser off) has lapsed, the system control processreturns to Block A, as indicated in FIG. 27A. If, however, at Block D,the system controller determines that the A₃=1 flag has been set to“true,” then the system control process proceeds to Block F, andthereafter to Block A, in the manner described hereinabove.

If at Block C in FIG. 27A, the system controller determines that it hasnot received control activation signal A₂=1 within the timer period ofT1, the system control process proceeds to Block G, at which itcontinues activation of the VLD 501, the scanning mechanism (i.e. motor505), the photoreceiving circuit 483, and the A/D conversion circuit484, then commences activation of the symbol decoding module 486 usingenable signal E_(SD)=1 and thereafter, starts timer T₂, where 0≦T₂≦1.0seconds. Thereafter, the system control process proceeds to Block H, atwhich the system controller determines whether control activation signalA₃=1 has been received within the time duration of timer T₂. If at BlockH, control activation signal A₃=1 is not received within T₂, indicatingthat no bar code symbol has been read in the bar code reading field 38,then the system control process returns to Block D, as indicated inFIGS. 27A and 27B1. If, however, at Block H the control activationsignal A₃=1 is received, then the system controller advances to Block I,at which the A₃=1 flag is set to “true.” Then, at Block J, the systemcontroller determines whether the timer T₁ has elapsed. If timer T₁ haselapsed, then the system control process returns once again to Block D,as shown in FIG. 27A. If the system controller determines that timer T₁has not elapsed at this time instant in the system control flow, thenthe system control process proceeds to Block K. At Block K, the systemcontroller determines whether it has received data transmission(activation) control signal A₄=1, indicating that the user or operatorof the system has manually depressed or otherwise switched the dataactivation switch 495 on the exterior of the scanner housing 481. Ifcontrol activation signal A₄=1 has not been received, then the systemcontrol process proceeds to Block L, at which the system controller setsthe data element in the Decoded Symbol Data Buffer to zero, and thenreturns to Block C, as indicated in FIGS. 27A and 27B1.

If at Block K the system controller receives data transmission controlactivation signal A₄=1 with a short predetermined time period (e.g. 60milliseconds), then the system control process advances to Block M, atwhich the system controller determines whether the data element in theDecoded Symbol Data Buffer is set to zero. If the data element in theDecoded Symbol Data Buffer has not been set to zero, then the systemcontrol process advances to Block N, at which the system controllerdetermines whether the decoded symbol character data element from thesymbol decoding module 486 is different from the data element stored inthe Decoded Symbol Data Buffer. If these data elements are different,then the system control process advances to Block O where the systemcontroller determines whether the timer T₁ has elapsed. If this timerhas elapsed, then the system control process returns to Block D, asindicated in FIG. 27A. If the timer T₁ has not elapsed at Block O, thenthe system control process returns to Block C, as indicated in FIG. 27A.

If, at Block N in FIG. 27B 2, the system controller determines that thedecoded symbol character data element from the symbol decoding module isdifferent from the data element stored in the Decoded Symbol DataBuffer, then the system control process advances to Block P, at whichthe system controller stores the symbol character data (from the symboldecoding module) into the Decoded Symbol Character Data. Thereafter, thesystem control process advances to Block Q, at which the systemcontroller deactivates the symbol decoding module 486, continuesactivation of the VLD 501, the scanning mechanism (i.e. motor) 504, thephotoreceiving circuit 483, and the A/D conversion circuit 484, andcommences activation of the data format conversion module 487, and thedata transmission circuit 489, and optionally the data storage module488. Then at Block R in FIG. 27C, the activated data transmissioncircuit 499 transmits the symbol character data (D₄ or D₅) to hostcomputer system 512 operably connected to the bar code reading system480 by way of data transmission cable 500. Then, at Block S, the systemcontroller deactivates the data format conversion module 487, the datatransmission circuit 489, and optionally the data storage module 488.Thereafter, the system control process returns to Block C, as indicatedin FIG. 27A.

By virtue of the control process of the present invention and thestructure of timers T₁ and T_(laser off), the VLD produces a visiblelaser beam from VLD 50 comprising a plane of pulsed laser light which“flickers” or “blinks” at a flicker sensitivity rate R_(flicker) equalto 1/T_(flicker) where T_(flicker) equals T₁+T_(laseroff). During barcode symbol detection and reading states, the flickering nature of thelaser scanning beam significantly improves the user's visualperceptibility thereof as it is scanned across the detected object whilethe user attempts to visually register (i.e. align) the laser beam withthe bars and spaces of a bar code symbol on the object. The improvementin the visual perceptibility of the flickering laser scanning beam ismanifested by the fact that the flickering laser scanning beam is morevisually conspicuous that a like laser beam of constant luminosity orintensity. This psychophysiological phenomenon is due to the lowfrequency pulsed nature of the laser scanning beam. While it isunderstood in the opthalomological art that the human visual system ismore sensitive to light flickering below about 16 Hz than light ofconstant luminosity (i.e. intensity), no one in the bar code symbolscanning art has ever recognized or appreciated that this principlecould be utilized to solve the visual perceptibility problem occurringin automatic hand-held laser bar code symbol scanners.

The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of thepresent invention solves the laser scanning beam perceptibility problemin a highly effective manner by applying the principle of“psychophysiological flicker sensitivity” to the construction of theautomatic laser bar code symbol scanner. Specifically, by causing theintensity of the visible laser scanning beam to flicker at a rateR_(flicker) greater than about 0.10 Hz and less than about 16 Hz, thevisual conspicuousness of the laser scanning beam can be significantlyimproved, while advantageously decreasing the output power of VLD 501.In any particular embodiment of the present invention, the flickerfrequency of the visible laser scanning beam can be selected using thefollowing procedure. First, a value will be selected for time periodT_(laser on) which provides sufficient time for the bar code symbolreader to capture multiple lines of scan data from the bar code symbol.This selection will depend on the scanning velocity of the laser beam,the collection optics and data processing consideration. Then, for anyselected value of T₁, the laser-off time period T_(laser off) can beselected so that a desired value of R_(flicker) within the range ofabout 0.1 to about 16 Hz, is obtained. Then by setting parameters T₁ andT_(laser off) in the system controller, the desired flicker frequencywill automatically be set within the automatic bar code symbol reader.

Having described the operation of the third generalized system controlprocess of the present invention, it will be helpful to describe at thisjuncture the various conditions which cause state transitions to occurduring its operation. In this regard, reference is made to FIG. 28 whichprovides a state transition diagram for the illustrative embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 28, the automatic hand-supportable bar codereading device of the present invention has three basic states ofoperation, namely: bar code symbol presence detection, bar code symbolreading, and symbol character data transmission/storage. The nature ofeach of these states has been described above in great detail. Thesethree states are schematically illustrated as A, B, and C, respectively,in the state transition diagram of FIG. 28.

As shown in FIG. 28, transitions between the various states areindicated by directional arrows. Besides each set of directional arrowsare transition conditions expressed in terms of control activationsignals (e.g. A₁, A₂, A₃ and A₄ and where appropriate, state timeintervals (e.g. T_(laser off)T₁, and T₂) Conveniently, the state diagramof FIG. 28 expresses most simply the three basic operations occurringduring the control flow within the system control program of FIGS. 27Athrough 27C. Significantly, the control activation signals A₁, A₂, A₃and A₄ shown in FIG. 28 indicate which events within the bar code symboldetection and reading fields can operate to effect a state transitionwithin the allotted time frame(s), where prescribed.

Hybrid-Type Automatically-Activated Laser Scanning Bar Code SymbolSystem Having Pulsed Laser-Based Bar Code Symbol Presence DetectionSubsystem, Laser-Based Bar Code Symbol Reading Subsystem, andManually-Activated Symbol Character Data Transmission Subsystem

Referring to FIGS. 29A1 through 31B, a fourth generalized system designwill now be described in greater detail. Notably, the structure andfunctions of the fourth generalized system design can be realized withinany automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system having anIR-based or laser-based object detection subsystem, a laser-based barcode symbol detection subsystem, a laser-based bar code symbol readingsubsystem, and manually-activated data transmission subsystem as shown,for example, in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

In general, the primary difference between the bar code symbol readingsystem 300′ shown in FIG. 29A 1 and the bar code reading system 300shown in FIG. 15 is that system 300′ includes modifications to certaincomponents in the system in order to enter “Time-Extended States ofOperation” which provides the user with an extended time period (e.g. 20seconds) within which to (i) read (detect and decode) a bar code symbolon the detected object and (ii) manually-enable the transmission of itssymbol character data to the associated host computer system. The systementers this Time-Extended States of Operation whenever a detected objectremains within the object detection field of the system whenever atimer, set to run, “times out” within the system control process.Examples of when a timer may “time out” in the system control processinclude, for example: when the system fails to read (i.e. detect anddecode) a bar code symbol on the detected object within the prescribedtime periods established by the control subsystem; and/or when the userfails to manually enable the transmission of produced symbol characterdata (representative of a read bar code symbol) to the host system, uponmanual activation of the data transmission switch 303 within thepreallotted time frame established by the control subsystem.

When the system enters the Time-Extended Object Detection State, thelaser beam is pulsed (i.e. flickered) at the flicker-frequency rateduring both bar code detection and reading modes of operation. Also,additional control structures (i.e. Blocks LL through XX in FIGS. 30F1and 30F2) are invoked within the Main System Control Routine (i.e.System Control Process) to ensure that the system operates in itsTime-Extended States of Operation under the above-described conditions.As will become apparent hereinafter, the fourth generalized systemdesign as well as the fifth generalized system design (i.e. based on amodification of the second generalized system design) offer manyimportant advantages to the user while reading bar coded objects ofvarious sorts. For example, when a user brings a bar coded object withinthe IR-based object detection field of the system and automaticallydetects the object, but the system does not read (i.e. detect anddecode) the bar code symbol thereon and/or the user fails to transmitproduced symbol character data to the host system by manual-activationof the data transmission switch 303, the system automatically enters theTime-Extended States of Operation and is provided an additional timeperiod (e.g. 20 seconds) to allow the system to automatically read thebar code symbol on the detected object and the user manually-activatethe data transmission subsystem so that produced symbol character datais transmitted to the host system or device.

As shown in FIGS. 29A1 through 29A4, system 300′ is substantiallysimilar to the system 300 shown in FIGS. 15A1-15A4, except in thefollowing respects.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 29A1-29A4, an additional oscillator 301Bhas been provided for use by modified first control circuit C₁ 304′ togenerate a pulsed laser diode enable signal E_(1L). As shown in FIGS.29A1-29A4, the first control circuit C₁ generates four separateenable/disable signals, namely: E_(1L) for enabling and disabling theVLD 377 in the photoreceiving circuit 308; E_(1AD) for enabling anddisabling the A/D conversion circuit 310; E_(1M) for enabling anddisabling the scanning motor 379; and E_(1PD) for enabling and disablingthe photodetector 385.

As shown in FIG. 29B, the first control circuit C₁ 304′ employed in thesystem 300′ in FIGS. 29A1-29A4 is similar to first control circuit 304employed in the system 300 in FIGS. 15A1-15A4, except that first controlcircuit 304′ includes an AND gate 366A. As shown, the first input to ANDgate 366A is connected to the output of NOR gate 365. The second inputto AND gate 377A is connected to the output of clock signal oscillator301B which generates clock signal CLK2 having binary signal levelsindicated by B2, which periodically alternate during each bar codesymbol cycle. As shown, the output of the NOR gate 365 provides theenabling/disabling signals E_(1AD), E_(1M) and E_(1PD), whereas theoutput of AND gate 366A provides enable/disable signal E_(1L). TheBoolean expressions set forth in the table of FIG. 29D specify how theenable/disable signals E_(1AD), E_(1M), E_(1PD) and E_(1L) are generatedby the first control circuit C₁ shown in FIG. 29.

Having described the detailed structure and internal functions ofautomatic bar code symbol reading device of the fourth generalizedsystem design, the operation of the control system thereof will now bedescribed while referring to the system block diagram shown in FIGS.29A1-29A4 and control Blocks A to XX in FIGS. 30A1 to 30F2.

Beginning at the START block of Main System Control Routine andproceeding to Block A of FIG. 30A 1, the bar code symbol reading systemis “initialized”. This initialization step involves: activating (i.e.enabling) system override detection circuit 301, first control circuitC₁ (304), oscillator circuit 301, the system override signal producingdevice 333, and IR-based object sensing circuit 306; and deactivating(i.e. disabling) laser scanning circuit 308, photoreceiving circuit 309,and all subcircuits aboard ASIC chip 333 shown in FIGS. 29A1-29A4 thatare not associated with the system override detection circuits 301A and301B, i.e. object detection circuit 307, A/D conversion circuitry 310,second control circuit C₂ (313), bar code presence detection circuit311, third control module C₃ (314), symbol decoding module 319, datapacket synthesis module 320, and data packet transmission circuit 321.During this initialization step, all timers T₁, T′₁, T₂, T′₂, T₃, T₄,T₅, T_(e) and T_(laser off) are reset to t=0, the Decoded Symbol DataBuffer (maintained within the symbol decoding module 319) isinitialized, and the “A₃=1 Flag” (monitored within the third controlmodule C₃) is cleared.

Proceeding to Block B in FIG. 30A 1, the first control circuit C₁ checksto determine whether it has received control activation signal A₀=1 fromsystem override detection circuit 301. If this signal is not received AtBlock B, then the first control circuit C₁ returns to Block A. Ifcontrol activation signal A₀=1 is received at Block B, then at Block Cthe first control circuit C₁ activates (i.e. enables) the objectdetection circuit 307 by producing enable signal E₀, and drives theobject detection state indicator 451 also using enable signal E₀. AtBlock D, the first control circuit C₁ determines whether it has receivedcontrol activation signal A₁=1, indicating that an object has beendetected within the object detection field 9 of the system. If controlactivation signal A₁=1 is not received at Block D, then at Block E thefirst control circuit C₁ determines whether it has received controlactivation signal A₀=1. If the first control circuit C₁ has not receivedcontrol activation signal A₀=1 at Block E, then the system controlprocess returns to Block A in FIG. 20A 1, as shown.

If the first control circuit C₁ has received control activation signalA₀=1 at Block E, then the control system returns to Block D, as shown.If at Block D the first control circuit C₁ has received first controlactivation signal A₁=1, then at Block F the first control circuit C₁ (i)deactivates (i.e. disables) the object sensing circuit 306 and theobject detection circuit 307 using disabling signal E₀=0, (ii) activates(i.e. enables) laser scanning circuit 308, photoreceiving circuit 309and A/D signal conversion circuit 310 using enable signal E₁=1, (iii)activates bar code detection circuit 311 and second control circuit C₂using enable signal E₂=1, (iv) starts timer T₁ maintained in the firstcontrol circuit C₁ 0≦T,≦1.0 seconds), and (V) drives bar code symboldetection state indicator 452 using enable signal E₂=1, and ceasesdriving object detection state indicator 951 using disable signal E₀=0.Notably, the activation of these system components permits the bar codesymbol reading device to collect and analyze scan data signals for thepurpose of determining whether or not a bar code is within the bar codesymbol detection field.

Thereafter, the system control process moves to Block G where the secondcontrol circuit C₂ determines whether it has received control activationsignal A₂=1 within T₁ seconds, indicating that the bar code has beendetected within the bar code symbol detection field 10 within theduration of this time period. If at Block G the second control circuitC₂ does not receive control activation signal A₂=1 from the bar codedetection circuit 311 within time period T₁, indicating that a bar codesymbol is detected in the bar code symbol detecting field 10, then thecontrol system advances to Block H, at which the second control circuitC₂ checks if the A₃=1 flag has been set to “true.” If the A₃=1 flag hasbeen set to A₃=1, then the system proceeds to Block A, returning systemcontrol to the first control unit C₁, as shown in FIG. 30A 1. If atBlock H the A₃=1 flag has been not been set to “true,” then the systemcontrol process hereof proceeds to Block I, at which the data elementstored in the Decoded Symbol Data Buffer (third control module C₃) isset to zero, and then the system control process returns back to Block Avia Blocks II and JJ. At Block II, the laser scanning mechanism 308 and309 and its subcomponents are deactivated for laser emission controlreasons, and then at Block JJ the system control module C₂ determineswhether control activation signal A₁ has changed to A₁=0, indicatingthat the object has been moved out of the object detection field 9. Ifthe second control module C₂ does not receive A₁=1, then the systemcontrol process returns to Block A, as shown. If the system controllerreceives A₁=1, then the system control process advances to Block LL inFIG. 30F 1.

As shown at Block LL in FIG. 30F 1, the second control module C₂ startstimer T_(e), wherein 0≦T_(e)≦30 seconds. Then at Block MM, the secondcontrol module enables the laser scanning mechanism and starts timer T₂,wherein 0≦T₁≦0.5 seconds. At Block LL, the system enters theTime-Extended Bar Code Symbol Detection State of operation. Thereafter,at Block NN, the second control module C₂ determines whether it receivescontrol activation signal A₂=1 within T′₁. If control module C₂ receivesA₂=1 within T′₁, then the control process advances to Block OO, at whichthe second control module C₂ activates the third control module C₃ usingenable signal E₃. Then at Block PP, the third control module C₃activates the symbol decoding module using enable signal E₄, and startstimer T′₂ where 0≦T₂≦0.5 seconds. At Block PP, the system enters theTime-Extended Bar Code Reading State of operation. Then at Block QQ, thethird control module C₃ determines whether control activation signalA₃=1 is received within time period set by timer T′₂. If the thirdcontrol module C₃ receives A₃=1 within T′₂, then the third controlmodule determines at Block RR whether or not it has received controlactivation signal A₄=1 at this stage of the control process. If it hasnot received A₄=1, then the control process returns to Block QQ, asshown in FIG. 30F 1. If the third control module C₃ receives the controlactivation signal A₄=1, then the system control process returns to BlockV, as shown in FIG. 30C. At Block V, the system enters the DataTransmission State of operation.

If at Block QQ, the third control module C₃ does not receive controlactivation signal A₃=1 within time period T₃, then the system controlprocess advances to Block TT in FIG. 30F 2, where the third controlmodule C₃ (i) disables the scanning means, laser light source,photoreceiving circuit, A/D conversion circuit, symbol decoding module,etc. and (ii) enables the IR-object sensing circuit and object detectioncircuit. At Block TT, the system enters the Time-Extended ObjectDetection State. Thereafter, the system control process advances toBlock UU shown in FIG. 30F 2. At Block UU, the third control module C₃determines whether the first control module C₁ receives controlactivation signal A₁=1, indicating the presence of an object within theIR-based object detection field. If not, then the control processreturns to Block A, as shown in FIG. 30A 1. If A₁=1 has not beenreceived by control circuit C₁, then the control process advances toBlock VV, at which the third control module C₃ determines whether timerT_(e) has elapsed (i.e. T_(e)>30 seconds). If at Block VV third controlmodule C₃ determines that timer T_(e) has elapsed, then the systemcontrol process returns to Block A, as shown in FIG. 30A 1. If at BlockVV the third control module C₃ has not elapsed, then the system controlprocess advances to Block WW, at which the third control module C₃starts timer T_(laser off), where 0≦T_(laser off)≦0.5 seconds. Then, atBlock XX, the third control module C₃ determines whether the timerT_(laser off) has elapsed. As shown in FIG. 30F 2, so long as this timerhas not elapsed, the control process remains at Block XX. When the timerT_(laser off) has elapsed, then the control process returns to Block MM,in FIG. 30F 1, to form a control loop.

If at Block NN, the second control circuit C₂ determines that controlactivation signal A₂=1 has not been received within T₁′, then the systemcontrol process advances to Block SS, at which the second controlcircuit determines whether timer T₁′ has elapsed (i.e. T₁′>0.5 seconds).If this timer has not elapsed at this point in the control process, thenthe system control process returns to Block NN, as shown. If timer T₁′has elapsed at Block SS, then the system control process advances toBlock TT, described hereinabove.

If at Block G, the bar code symbol detection circuit 111 provides thesecond control circuit C₂ with control activation signal A₂=1, then atBlock J the second control circuit C₂ activates (i.e. enables) thirdcontrol module C₃ (i.e. microprocessor 334) using enable signal E₃=1,and also resets the timer T₁. Then at Block K, the third system controlmodule C₃ activates the symbol decoding module using signal E₄=1, resetsand restarts timer T₂ permitting it to run for a second predeterminedtime period (e.g. 0#T₂#1 seconds), and resets and restarts timer T₃permitting it to run for a third predetermined time period (e.g. 0#T₃#5seconds).

At Block L, the third control module C₃ checks to determine whethercontrol activation signal A₃=1 is received from the symbol decodingmodule 119 within T₂=1 seconds, indicating that a bar code symbol hasbeen successfully read (i.e. scanned and decoded) within the allottedtime period. If control activation signal A₃=1 is not received withinthe time period T₂=1 second, then at Block M third control module C₃checks to determine whether control activation signal A₂=1 is received.If a bar code symbol is not detected (e.g. A₂=0), then the controlsystem returns to Block H, to determine if the A₃=1 flag has been set to“true” (which it would not have been) and then onto Block I and thenback to Block A. However, if at Block M the third control module C₃receives control activation signal A₂=1, indicating that a bar code onceagain is within the bar code symbol detection field 10, then at Block Nthe third control module C₃ checks to determine whether time period T₃has elapsed (i.e. T₃>5 seconds).

If at Block N the T₃ timer has lapsed, then the control system returnsto Block A. If, however, at Block N it is determined that timer T₃ hasnot elapsed, then the system control process advances to Block N1, atwhich the decode timer T′₂ is reset and restarted (e.g. 0#T₂′#0.5seconds). At this control block, the system reenters the Bar Code SymbolReading State of operation. Thereafter, the system control processreturns to Block L, at which the third control module C₃ determineswhether control activation signal A₃=1 has been received. If not, thenthe system control process returns to Block M. During typical bar codereading applications, the system control process may progress severaltimes through the control loop defined by Blocks L-M-N-L before a barcode symbol in the laser-based bar code symbol reading field 11 is read(i.e. detected and decoded) within the time period allotted by timer T₃.To take human response times into account, the allotted time period inthe illustrative embodiment has been set to 5.0 seconds. However, it isunderstood that in other embodiments of the present invention, the timeperiod may be greater or lesser than this exemplary time period withoutdeparting from the principles of the present invention.

Upon receiving control activation signal A₃=1 from symbol decodingmodule 319 at Block L, indicating that a bar code symbol has beensuccessfully read, the control system proceeds to Block 0 where thethird control module C₃ sets the A₃=1 flag to “true” and generatesenable signal E₈=1 which drives the bar code read state indicator 452(signaling the operator to depress the data transmission switch 303) andceases to drive bar code detection state indicated 452 using disablesignal E₂=0. Thereafter, the system control process proceeds to Block Pwhere the third system control module C₃ determines whether the timer T₃has elapsed. If timer T₃ has elapsed at Block P, then the system controlprocess returns to Block A. If the timer T₃ has not elapsed at Block P,then the system control process advances to Block Q, at which thecontrol module C₃ determines whether data transmission controlactivation signal A₄=1 has been received within the T₃ time frame. Ifthe third control module C₃ determines that A₄=0, indicating that thedata transmission activation switch 303 has not been depressed withinthe T₃ time frame, then the control module C₃ sets the data in theDecoded Symbol Data Module to zero value, and then the system controlprocess returns back to Block M. If at Block Q the control module C₃determine that control activation signal A₄=1 has been generated, thenthe system control process advances to Block S in FIG. 30C, wherein theData Transmission Mode of operation is entered.

At Block S in FIG. 30C, the control module C₃ determines whether thedata within the Decoded Symbol Data Buffer has been set to zero value.If this data has not been set to zero value, then the system controlprocess advances to Block T, at which the control module C₃ determineswhether the bar code symbol character data produced by the symboldecoding module is different than the symbol character data stored inthe Decoded Symbol Data Buffer. If these data elements are not the same,then the system control process advances to Block U, where the controlmodule determines whether Timer T₃ has elapsed. If Timer T₃ has elapsed,then the system control process returns to Block H, as shown in FIG.30A. If, however, the Timer T₃ has not elapsed at Block U, then thesystem control process returns to Block M, as shown in FIG. 30B.

If at Block S in FIG. 30C, the control module C₃ has determined that thedata set in the Decoded Symbol Data Buffer is zero value, then thesystem control process advances to Block V, at which point the controlmodule C₃ stores the symbol character data (produced by the symboldecoding module 319) into the Decoded Symbol Data Module. Thereafter, atBlock W, the third control module C₃ sets the A₄=1 flag to “true”, andthen proceeds to Block X in FIG. 30D.

As shown in FIG. 30D, the third control module C₃ continues activationof laser scanning circuit 308, photoreceiving circuit 309, and A/Dconversion circuit 310, while deactivating symbol decoding module 319and commencing activation of data packet synthesis module 320.

As indicated at Block X in FIG. 30D, under the control of module C₃, thedata packet synthesis module 320 first sets the Packet Number to “1”,and increments the Packet Group Number from the previous number.Preferably, the data packet synthesis module keeps track of (i.e.manages) the “Packet Number” using a first module-N counter realized byprogrammable microprocessor 334, while it manages the “Packet GroupNumber” using a second modulo-M counter also realized by programmedmicroprocessor 334. In the illustrative embodiment, the first modulocounter has a cyclical count range of N=2 (i.e. 0,1,2,0,1,2, . . . ),whereas the second modulo counter has a cyclical count range of M=10(i.e. 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,0,1,2, . . . ).

While the laser beam is being continuously scanned during the datatransmission state of operation, the operations at Blocks Z to EEdescribed below, are carried out in a high speed manner under theorchestration of control module C₃. At Block Z in FIG. 30D, the datapacket synthesis module 320 synthesizes or constructs a data packethaving a packet format as shown in FIG. 15O, i.e. consisting of symbolcharacter data, a Transmitter Identification Number, a Packet Number, aPacket Group Number, check character, and Packet Start and End (i.e.framing) Characters. After the data packet has been formed and thedigital data sequence constituting the same is buffered, the thirdcontrol module C₃ activates at Block AA the data packet transmissioncircuit 321. Thereafter at Block BB, the data packet synthesis module320 outputs the buffered digital data sequence (of the first synthesizeddata packet of the group) to the data packet transmission circuit, whichuses the digital data sequence to modulate the frequency of the carriersignal as it is being transmitted from the bar code symbol readingdevice, to its mated base unit 440, as described hereinabove, and thenautomatically deactivates itself to conserve power.

At Block CC, the third control module C₃ determines whether the PacketNumber counted by the first module counter is less than “3”. If thePacket Number of the recently transmitted data packet is less than “3”,indicating that at most only two data packets in a specific group havebeen transmitted, then at Block DD the data packet synthesis module 320increments the Packet Number by +1. At Block EE, the third controlmodule C₃ then waits for a time delay T₅ maintained by timer T₅ to lapseprior to the control system returning to Block Z, as shown in FIG. 30D.Notably, the occurrence of time delay T₅ causes a delay in transmissionof the next data packet in the data packet group.

Returning to Block Z, the data packet synthesis module 320 synthesizesor constructs the second data packet in the same data packet group.After the second data packet has been formed and the digital datasequence constituting the same is buffered, the third control module C₃reactivates, at Block AA, the data packet transmission circuit 321.Thereafter at Block BB, the data packet synthesis module outputs thebuffered digital data sequence (of the second synthesized data packet)to the data packet transmission circuit (34), which uses the digitaldata sequence to modulate the frequency of the carrier signal as it isbeing transmitted from the bar code symbol reading device, to its matedbase unit 440, and thereafter automatically deactivates itself. When atBlock CC third control module C₃ determines that the Packet Number isequal to “3”, the control system advances to Block FF in FIG. 30E.

At Block FF in FIG. 30E, the third control module C₃ continuesactivation of laser scanning circuit 308, photoreceiving circuit 309,and A/D conversion circuit 310 using control override signals C₃/C₁, anddeactivates symbol decoding module 319, data packet synthesis module,320 the data packet transmission circuit 321 using disable signals E₄=0,E₅=0, E₆=0, and E₉=0, respectively. Then at Block GG the third controlmodule C₃ determines whether control activation signal A₁=1, indicatingthat an object is present in the object detection field 9. If thiscontrol activation signal is not provided to the third control moduleC₃, then the control system returns to Block A, as shown in FIG. 30A 1.If control activation signal A₁=1 is received, then at Block HH thethird control module C₃ reactivates the bar code symbol detectioncircuit 311 using override signal C₃/C₂, and resets and restarts timerT₃ to start running over its predetermined time period, i.e. 0<T₃<5seconds, and resets and restart timer T₄ for a predetermined time period0<T₄<3 seconds. Thereafter, the system control process returns to BlockF in FIG. 30A 2 in order to attempt to read another bar code symbol. pHaving described the operation of the automatic hand-supportable barcode reading system of the first generalized embodiment, it will behelpful to describe at this juncture the various conditions which causestate transitions to occur during its operation. In this regard,reference is made to FIGS. 31A and 31B which provides a state transitiondiagram for the illustrative embodiment.

As illustrated in FIGS. 31A and 31B, the automatic hand-supportable barcode reading device of the present invention has four basic states ofoperation namely: object detection, bar code symbol presence detection,bar code symbol reading, and symbol character data transmission/storage.However, in contrast with the system shown in FIGS. 15A1-15A4, thesystem shown in FIGS. 29A1-29A4 also includes three Time-Extended Statesof Operation, namely: a Time-Extended Object Detection State; aTime-extended Bar Code Symbol Detection State; and a Time-Extended BarCode Symbol Reading State. The nature of each of these states has beendescribed above in great detail.

Transitions between the various states are indicated by directionalarrows. Besides each set of directional arrows are transition conditionsexpressed in terms of control activation signals (e.g. A₁, A₂, A₃ andA₄) and where appropriate, state time intervals (e.g. T₁, T₂, T₃, T₄,and T₅). Conveniently, state diagram of FIGS. 31A and 31B expresses mostsimply the four basic operations occurring during the control flowwithin the system control program of FIGS. 30A1 to 30F2. Significantly,the control activation signals A₁, A₂, A₃ and A₄ shown in FIG. 21indicate which events within the object detection field, bar codedetection field and/or bar code reading fields can operate to effect astate transition within the allotted time frame(s), where prescribed.

Automatic Bar Code Symbol Reading Devices Embodying the Modifications ToFirst, Second, Third and Fourth Generalized System Designs of thePresent Invention

Having described the operation of the automatic hand-supportable barcode reading systems of the first, second, third and fourth generalizedembodiments of the present invention, it is noted at this juncture thatthese generalized embodiments can be further modified to provide fouradditional generalized system design embodiments of the presentinvention, as shown in FIGS. 32A1 through 35F2. In each of thesealternative generalized embodiments of the present invention, it isdesired that the user be able to physically depress (i.e. manuallyactuate) the data-transmission activation switch in order to suppressdata transmission to the host system or device, however realized, andafter the targeted bar code within a crowded menu is repeatedly scanned,detected and read, then releasing the switch in order to enable theautomatic bar code symbol reader to transmit the produced symbolcharacter data to the host system or device. In such alternativeembodiments of the present invention, schematically depicted in FIGS.32A1 through 35F2, releasing the data transmission activation switchenables the data transmission mode of operation, in contrast todepressing the data transmission activation switch to enable the datatransmission mode as in the case of the previously described embodimentsof the present invention. These four alternative generalized systemdesigns will be described in greater detail below.

The first generalized system design shown in FIGS. 15A1-15A4 can bereadily modified to provide a fifth generalized system design byreplacing the system control process shown in FIGS. 20A1 to 20E, withthe system control process shown in FIGS. 32A1 through 32E. The onlydifference between these two system control processes is that at Block Qin FIG. 32B, the conditions for YES and NO responses are reversed fromthat shown at Block Q in FIG. 20B, and there is no time constraintimposed on control activation signal A₄.

The second generalized system design shown in FIGS. 22A1-22A2 can bereadily modified to provide a sixth generalized system design byreplacing the system control process shown in FIGS. 23A1 to 23E, withthe system control process shown in FIGS. 33A1 through 33E. The onlydifference between these two system control processes is that at Block Qin FIG. 33B, the conditions for YES and NO responses are reversed fromthat shown at Block Q in FIG. 23B, and there is no time constraintimposed on control activation signal A₄.

The third generalized system design shown in FIGS. 25A-25B can bereadily modified to provide a seventh generalized system design byreplacing the system control process shown in FIGS. 27A to 27C, with thesystem control process shown in FIGS. 34A through 34C. The onlydifference between these two system control processes is that at Block Kin FIG. 34B 1, the conditions for YES and NO responses are reversed fromthat shown at Block K in FIG. 27B 1, and there is no time constraint oncontrol activation signal A₄.

The fourth generalized system design shown in FIGS. 29A1-29A2 can bereadily modified by replacing the system control process shown in FIGS.30A1 to 30F2, with the system control process shown in FIGS. 35A through35F2. The only difference between these two system control processes isthat at Blocks Q in FIG. 35B and Block RR in FIG. 35F 1, the conditionsfor YES and NO responses are reversed from that shown at Blocks Q and RRin FIGS. 30B and 30F1, respectively.

The four generalized system design architectures described above providean important advantage in applications where it is desired that the usercan manually suppress data transmission to the host device until thedesired bar code symbol (wherever located) has been automaticallydetected and read, and only upon releasing of the manually-activatabledata transmission activation switch on the automatic bar code readingdevice. This control process of the present invention provides the userwith a different level of control over the data transmission process tothe host system. In all other respects, the functionalities of thefirst, second, third and fourth system design architectures describedabove are otherwise maintained substantially the same in the four thesefourth alternative generalized system designs.

RF-Receiving Base Unit for Use With Automatically-Activated Bar CodeSymbol Reading Devices of The Present Invention

Referring now to FIGS. 36A to 36C, the RF-signal receiving base unit foruse with the first illustrative embodiment of the bar code symbolreading system shown in FIG. 2A will be described. As shown, base unit42 is realized in the form of scanner stand comprising support frame 43releasably connected to a base support/mounting plate 550 by way of asnap fit fastening mechanism. In the illustrative embodiment, supportframe 43 is formed as an injection molded shell, in which a handleportion support structure is realized by a first support recess 51C;whereas a head portion support structure is realized by a second supportrecess 51B. As shown in FIG. 36A, first support recess 51C is disposedabove base portion 51A and inclined at a first acute angle B₁ withrespect thereto, while second support recess 51B is disposed above baseportion 51A and inclined at a second acute angle B₂ with respectthereto.

In order to ensure that the bar code reading device is securely, yetreleasably supported within support recesses 51B and 51C and not easilyknocked out of the scanner support stand during the hands-free mode ofoperation, first and second magnetic elements 551A and 551B arepermanently mounted to the underside of the planar support surfaces ofprocesses 51B and 51C, as illustrated in FIG. 36C. With thisarrangement, magnetic flux of constant intensity continuously emanatesfrom support recesses 51B and 51C. As a result, when the handle and headportions of the bar code reading device are placed within supportrecesses, a ferrous element 552A in handle portion 49B is magneticallyattracted to magnetic element 551B, while ferrous element 552A on headportion 49A is magnetically attracted to magnetic element 551A. Themagnetic force of attraction between these elements is selected so thata desired degree of force is required to lift the automatic bar codereading device out of scanner support stand, while preventing accidentaldisplacement of the device from the scanner support stand during use inthe hands-free mode of operation.

As illustrated in FIGS. 36B and 36C, base mounting plate 550 is formedas a thin planar structure having perimetrical dimensions substantiallyequal to the perimetrical dimensions of the base portion of supportframe 43. At the front and rear end portions of base plate 550, a pairof projections 553 and 554, extend perpendicularly, as shown. Theseprojections have horizontal flanges which are adapted to snap fit intohorizontal grooves formed on the interior surfaces of front and rearwalls 555 and 556, as shown in FIGS. 36A to 36C.

In order to perform the data packet reception, processing,retransmission, and acknowledgement functions of base unit 42 describedabove, a printed circuit board 558 populated with electronic circuitryis concealed within the interior volume contained between the interiorsurface of support stand portion and the upper surface of base plate. Inthe illustrated embodiment, PC board 558 contains electronic circuitryfor realizing each of the functions represented by the block shown inthe system diagram of FIG. 37. As shown in FIG. 36A, flexiblecommunication and power supply cables 46 and 47 are routed throughaperture 559 formed in the lower portion of rear wall of the supportframe, and connected to the electronic circuitry on PC board 558.

In FIG. 37, the system architecture of base unit 42 is schematicallyrepresented. As shown, base unit 42 comprises a number hardware andsoftware components, namely: a power supply circuit 560; a receivingantenna element 561; an RF carrier signal receiver circuit 562 base unitidentification number storage unit 563; a data packet storage buffer564; a base unit system controller 565; a data packet frame check module566; a transmitter number identification module 567; a data packetnumber identification module 568; a symbol character data extractionmodule 569; a data format conversion module 570; a serial datatransmission circuit 571; and an acoustical acknowledgement signalgeneration circuit 572. In the illustrative embodiment, a programmedmicroprocessor and associated memory (i.e. ROM and RAM), indicated byreference numeral 573, are used to realize the base unit systemcontroller 565 and each of the above-described data processing modules564 to 570. The details of such a programming implementation are knownby those with ordinary skill in the art to which the present inventionpertains.

In the illustrative embodiment, it necessary to provide a means withinthe base unit housing, to recharge the batteries contained within thehand-supportable housing of the portable bar code symbol reading device41. Typically, DC electrical power will be available from the hostcomputer system 45, to which the base unit is operably connected by wayof flexible cables 45 and 46. An electrical arrangement for achievingthis function is set forth in FIG. 37. As shown, power supply circuit560 aboard the base unit of the present invention comprises aconventional current chopper circuit 571, a high-pass electrical filter572 in parallel therewith, and a primary inductive coil 573 in parallelwith the high-pass electrical filter. Low voltage DC electrical powerprovided from the host computer system by way of power cable 574 isprovided to direct current (DC) chopper circuit 571, which is realizedon PC board 558 using high-speed current switching circuits. Thefunction of current chopper circuit 571 is to convert the input DCvoltage to the circuit into a high-frequency triangular-type(time-varying) waveform, consisting of various harmonic signalcomponents. The function of the high-pass electrical filter is to filterout the lower frequency signal components and only pass the higherfrequency signal components to the inductive coil 573. As such, the highfrequency electrical currents permitted to flow through inductive coil573 induce a high voltage thereacross and produce time-varying magneticflux (i.e. lines of force). In accordance with well known principles ofelectrical energy transfer, the produced magnetic flux transferselectrical power from the base unit to the rechargeable battery aboardthe bar code symbol reading device, whenever the primary and secondaryinductive coils aboard the base unit and the mated device areelectromagnetically coupled by the magnetic flux. In order to maximizeenergy transfer between the base unit and its mated device duringbattery recharging operations, high permeability materials and wellknown principles of magnetic circuit design can be used to increase theamount of magnetic flux coupling the primary and secondary inductivecoils of the battery recharging circuit.

Further details regarding the structure, function and operation of thebase unit of FIGS. 36A-36C can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,808,285,incorporated herein by reference.

Portable Base Unit for Use With Automatically-Activated Bar Code SymbolReading Device of the Present Invention

The second illustrative embodiment of the base unit 580 shown in FIGS.3A through 3E, in particular, will now be described in greater detailwith reference to FIGS. 38A to 38C. In general, the base unit of thesecond illustrative embodiment 580 is similar to the base unit 42 of thefirst illustrative embodiment described above, except for the followingdifferences described below which reflect additional functionalitiesprovided by the data collection aspect of the portable base unit.

As illustrated in FIGS. 38A to 38C, data collection base unit 580comprises a hand-holdable housing 581 which houses the operativeelements of the device to be described below. Housing 581 has a toppanel bottom panel front and rear panels, and two opposing side panels,as shown. A 4×4 membrane keypad 582 is mounted through the lowerportions of top panel for manual entry of alphanumeric type dataincluding, for example, data related to bar code symbols. Notably, aseparate switch is provided for turning the device ON and OFF. Above thekeypad, there is mounted an LCD type 1×16 character display 583 forvisually displaying data including (i) data being manually enteredthrough keypad 582, (ii) operator messages and (iii) data entryverification messages which will be described in greater detailhereinafter.

Through front panel, adjacent to character display 582, a data-outputcommunication port 584 is provided. In the illustrative embodiment,data-output communication port 584 includes a 9-pin male connector 585,to which one end of communication cable 586 is connected, while theother end thereof is connected to the data-input port of a host computersystem, such as point of sale (POS) cash register/computer 45. As willbe described in greater detail hereinafter, data-output communicationport 584 is particularly adapted for transmitting collected symbolcharacter data stored in base unit 580, over communication cable 586 andthrough the data-input communication port of host computer system 45.

As shown in FIG. 38A, a pair of D-rings 587A and 587B are rotatablymounted to the rear end of the housing for conveniently supporting thedata collection base unit on the operator's body while, for example,taking inventory. In this way, a cord, shoulder strap or belt strap canbe attached to the D-rings. With this housing support arrangement, theuser can simply pick up the hand-holdable data collection base unit inhis hand and manually enter data through the keypad using his thumb,while viewing the character display screen.

While not visually shown in FIGS. 38A, 38B or 38C, data collection baseunit 580 includes a battery-power storage unit realized, in theillustrative embodiment, as four AA type 1.5 volt batteries. Thesebatteries are contained within a battery carrier attached to a hingedpanel formed on the bottom panel of the housing. Access to the batterycarrier is achieved by simply opening the hinged panel, which afterreplacement of batteries, can be snapped shut.

The system architecture of data collection base unit 580 and theoperation thereof are described in great detail in U.S. Pat. No.5,808,285, incorporated herein by reference.

PCMCIA-Embedded Base Unit for Use With Automatically-Activated Bar CodeSymbol Reading Device of The Present Invention

In FIG. 39, there is shown an alternative base unit 600 for use inconnection with the automatically-activated bar code symbol readingdevices shown in FIGS. 2A through 2J, FIGS. 7A through 7C, and other barcode symbol leading devices constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 39, base unit 600 is realized as a PCMCIA card baseunit 78, including a PC board 642 which, as a single device, insertsinto the PCMCIA (TYPE II or III) port 603 of a portable or desk-topcomputer system 77. In general, the system architecture of base unit 600is similar to base unit 42 of the first illustrative embodimentdescribed above, except that it does not function as a scanner stand,nor recharge the batteries within the portable bar code searchingdevice. Base unit 42 comprises a number hardware and software componentswhich are described in great detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,808,285,incorporated herein by reference.

Illustrative Methods of Carrying Out the Hands-On and Hands-Off Modes ofOperation Provided Within the Bar Code Symbol Reading System of thePresent Invention

It is appropriate at this juncture to illustrate the automatic hands-onand hands-free modes of operation of the system while utilized indifferent mounting installations. For purposes of illustration only, thesystem of the first, second and third illustrative embodiments shown inFIGS. 2A to 2J respectively will be used to illustrate such mountingillustrations.

A point-of-sale (POS) 45 station is shown in FIGS. 40A to 40D, ascomprising an electronic cash register 611 operably connected to theautomatic bar code reading system of the first illustrative embodimentby way of flexible communication cable 46. Low voltage DC power isprovided to base unit 42 by way of flexible power supply cable 47. Inthis particular mounting installation, base unit 42 is supported on ahorizontal countertop surface. If necessary or desired in such mountinginstallations, the base plate of base unit 42 may be weighted byaffixing one or more dense mass elements to the upper surface of thebase plate.

With automatically-activated bar code reading device 41 supported withinscanner support stand portion of the base unit 42, as shown in FIG. 40A,the system is automatically induced into its automatic hands-free modeof operation with its manually-activated data transmission state. Inorder to induce the system into its hands-on mode of operation, the usersimply encircles the handle portion of the hand-supportable device withhis or her fingers, and then lifts the device out of the scanner supportstand, as shown in FIGS. 40B. Upon lifting the device out of its stand,the mode selection circuit 650 (e.g. including a Hall-effect magneticflux sensor mounted in the handle of the bar code reading devicehousing) detects the absence of magnetic flux produced from a permanentmagnet mounted in the support stand 43, and automatically generates the“hands-on” control activation signal (i.e. A₄=0) so as to induce thesystem into its hands-on mode of operation with its manually-activateddata transmission state.

With the automatically-activated bar code reading device held in theuser's hand, and a bar coded object 65 is moved into the object 651detection field 9 of the device as shown in FIG. 40C, where the objectis automatically detected, and the bar code symbol 652 thereon isautomatically detected and read while the visible laser beam isrepeatedly scanned across the bar code detection and reading fields.After each instance that a bar code symbol 651 has been successfullyread (i.e. detected and decoded) symbol character data automaticallyproduced, and the bar code symbol read state indicator activated, theuser can manually-actuate the data transmission switch 44 on theexterior of the scanner housing, in order to cause data packetscontaining the automatically generated symbol character data to beautomatically transmitted to and processed at base unit 42, as describedhereinabove. In response to each successful data transmission to thebase unit, a highly audible acoustical acknowledgement signal S_(ack) ofa predetermined pitch is produced therefrom to provide an audible signalto the user regarding this event. Thereafter, the bar code readingdevice can be used to read other bar code symbols, or placed back withinthe scanner support stand, as shown in FIG. 40D, where once again it isautomatically induced into its hands-free mode of operation (i.e. A₄=1).

In FIGS. 41A to 41C, a POS station is shown comprising the automatic barcode reading system of FIGS. 2A to 2J, operably connected to electroniccash register 45 by way of flexible communication and power supplycables 46 and 47. In this particular mounting installation, base unit 42and its associated scanner support stand are pivotally supported above ahorizontal counter surface by way of a pivotal joint assembly 653connected to a pedestal base 654 mounted under the electronic cashregister, as shown. When installed in the manner illustrated, scannersupport stand 43 can be adjustably positioned and locked into virtuallyany orientation in three-dimensional space, owing to the three principledegrees of freedom provided by the pivotal joint assembly.

With automatic bar code reading device 41 positioned within scannerstand portion of base unit 42 as shown in FIG. 41A, the system isautomatically induced into its hands-free mode of operation by way ofthe mode-selection circuit 650, employing a magnetic flux sensingtechnique similar to that disclosed in copending application Ser. No.07/761,123. In this state of operation, the data transmission controlactivation signal A₄=1 is continuously generated and provided to thesystem controller. By simply moving an object 651 into the objectdetection field 9, the bar code symbol 652 is repeatedly scanned by thevisible laser beam scanned across the bar code detection and readingfields during bar code symbol detection and reading states of operation,respectively. To induce the automatic bar code reading system into itshands-on mode of operation, the user simply grasps the automatic barcode reading device 41 and lifts it out of the scanner support stand 43,as illustrated in FIG. 41B, whereby control activation signal A₄ is setto zero (i.e. A₄=0), thus enabling manual data transmission controlactivation. Then, by placing an object 651 into the object detectionfield as shown in FIG. 41C, the device automatically detects and readsthe bar code symbol 652 thereon, and generates bar code symbol characterdata representative of the bar code symbol that has been read. If theuser depresses the data transmission switch on the device, then thedevice automatically transmits the decoded symbol character data to thehost system 45. Thereafter, the bar code symbol reading device can beplaced back into the scanner support stand 43, similar to that shown inFIG. 41B, automatically inducing the system into its hands-free mode ofoperation (1B A₄=1). While the hands-on and hands-off states ofoperation have been illustrated with reference to the first illustrativeembodiment of the bar code symbol reading device of the presentinvention shown in FIGS. 2A through 2H, it is understood that the otherillustrative embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein arealso provided with such modes of operation, that can be carried out in alike or similar manner.

Returning now to FIGS. 42A through 42C, a novel method in accordancewith the present invention will be described for reading bar codesymbols printed on bar code symbol menus. In general, the first step ofthe method involves moving an automatically-activated bar code symbolreading device of the present invention adjacent a bar code symbol menu660, as shown in FIG. 42A. In FIG. 42A, the visible laser scanning beamis shown scanned across two bar code symbols (652A and 652B) forillustrative purposes. In this configuration, the bar code symbolreading system automatically generates a new bar code symbol characterdata string each time a bar code symbol is read during the bar codesymbol reading cycle. In the present illustration, both of the scannedbar code symbols 652A and 652B are assumed to be read in an alternatingmanner, and thus (bar code) symbol character data strings (i.e.elements) representative thereof are automatically generated in acyclical manner, as shown in FIG. 42A. At this stage of the method,symbol character data strings are repeatedly generated and the “bar codesymbol read state” indicator repeatedly driven in correspondence withthe generated symbol character data, but none of these symbol characterdata elements are transmitted to the host system 45 during this phase ofthe bar code symbol reading cycle.

In FIG. 42B, the user is shown moving the bar code symbol reader closerto a particular bar code symbol sought to be read. At this stage of themethod, symbol character data strings (associated with the particularbar code symbol) are repeatedly generated and the “bar code symbol readstate” indicator repeatedly driven in correspondence with the generatedsymbol character data, but none of these symbol character data elementsare transmitted to the host system 45 during this phase of the bar codesymbol reading cycle.

In FIG. 42C, the user is shown depressing the data transmission switch44 on the automatically-activated bar code symbol reading device 41momentarily after the bar code symbol read state indicator has beenobserved to be driven. In response to the manual activation of the datatransmission switch 44, a subsequently produced symbol character datastring (associated with the particular bar code symbol) is automaticallyselected within the bar code symbol reading device and transmitted tothe host system to which it is connected. At substantially the sameinstant, the “data transmission state” indicator on the device ismomentarily driven for the user to see in the form of visual feedback.To re-transmit a previously transmitted symbol character data stringcollected from the bar code symbol menu, the user need only depress thedata transmission switch 44 once again while the particular bar codesymbol remains aligned with the visible scanning beam. Suchretransmission of the symbol character data string is carried out uponeach depression of the data transmission switch 44. Notably, during eachretransmission of symbol character data, there is no need to redetectthe object underlying the bar code symbol, or momentarily moving off theread bar code symbol before rereading it and retransmitting its symbolcharacter data to the host system.

Wireless Automatic Hand-Supportable Bar Code Symbol Reading Device ofthe Present Invention With Automatic Range-Dependent Data TransmissionControl

FIGS. 43A through 43D show an alternative embodiment of the automaticwireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system of the presentinvention 790 employing a 2-way RF-based data communication link betweenits cradle-providing base station 792 and its wireless hand-supportablecode symbol reading device 791 employing a manually-operated datatransmission activation switch 303 that is controlled by automaticallydetecting whether or not the hand-supportable wireless device is locatedwithin the RF communication range of the RF-based data communicationlink. In the illustrative embodiment, this range-dependent condition isdetected by detecting the strength of “heartbeat” signals transmittedfrom the base station 792 to the wireless hand-supportable device. Ifthe hand-supportable scanning device 791 is located out-side of thepredetermined 2-way RF communication range, then an audible and/orvisual indicator is generated and packaged symbol character data isautomatically buffered within the memory storage of device until thedevice moves into its communication range at a later time, during thenext requested data transmission to the host computer system. Thiswireless hand-held scanning system 790 is designed for use inpoint-of-sale environments or light warehousing applications. Thissystem design offers operators convenience and freedom of mobility.

The systems design for this illustrative system embodiment 790 isillustrated in FIGS. 45A1 through 45A4, and is very similar to thesystem design employed in FIGS. 15A1 through 15A4, with followingmodifications: (1) the 2-way RF data communication link employed thereinis implemented by providing Bluetooth™ RF transceiver chip sets 803 and804 in both the hand-supportable device 791 and the removecradle-providing base station 792; (2) a Data Packet Group Buffer (i.e.FIFO) 802 is added and arranged in data communication with the DataPacket Transmission Circuit 321 under the control of C₃ Control Module314 using enable signal E₁₁; (3) Data Packet Transmission Circuit 321 iscontrolled by C₃ Control Module 314 using enable signal E₁₀; (4) anOut-Of-Communication Range Indicator (audible and/or visual) 805 hasbeen added to the system and arranged under the C₃ Control Module, forgenerating audible and/or visual indications to the operator when thehand-supportable bar code reader is moved outside of the communicationrange of the system; and (5) additional control system logic programmedinto the system control process illustrated in the flow charts of FIGS.46A1 through 46C4, so as to enable the wireless bar code reader to (i)read a barcode while out of the communication range of its remote basestation, (ii) store such data until communication can be reestablishedbetween the wireless unit and the base station, and then (3) transmitthe data to the base station when the wireless device is located withinthe communication range of the system. Preferrably, the memory storagecapacity of the Data Packet Group Buffer 802 will be sufficient to holdnumerous bar code symbols read while the wireless device is outside thecommunication range of its remote base station.

The details of how to integrate Bluetooth™ RF-based 2-way datacommunication chip set module technology into wireless applications isgenerally well known in the art. Reference can be made to supportingdocumentation located at the offical Bluetooth™ Websitehttp://www.bluetooth.com, which is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety as if set forth fully herein.

Such Bluetooth™ 2-way RF data communication link technology currentlyhas a radio range of approximately 10 m (30 ft), or 100 m optionally.The Bluetooth™ communication protocol employed in the system of thisillustrative embodiment enables the reader to operate within a 10 mrange. The scanner contains a Bluetooth module, with its ownmicro-controller that is internal or external to the Bluetooth chipset,that handles the wireless communication. During implementation, aBluetooth™ module is directly connected to the CPU of the wirelessreader (as well as to a CPU within the base station) and it notifies thescanner CPU when the wireless link has been established between thescanner and the receiver (cradle), as well as when the link that beensevered.

To implement the wireless data transmission method of the presentinvention, the reader's system control software always stores in itsmemory its current “link status” with the base station which isindicated by A₅=1 when the link status is GOOD, and A₅=0 when the linkstatus is NO GOOD. This link status information is ontained bymonitoring “heartbeat signals” transmitted from the base station to thewireless bar code reader unit. When the data transmission activationbutton 330 is pressed after a valid read, the system control softwarefirst checks the wireless link status. If the link has been established,which means that the base station-receiver is in range, then thewireless bar code reader transmits the stored barcode data immediately.If the link has not been established, which means that the basestation/receiver is out of range, the wireless reader does not attemptto transmit the barcode data. Instead, it periodically checks the linkstatus until either a link is reestablished and the barcode istransmitted, or until a new barcode has been read and old barcode datadiscarded

Another feature which can be programmed into the control process of thesystem is that after the first read, the decoded data transmission istransmitted to the base unit, meanwhile the laser is turned off, andlocked. After the base unit receives the correct data, it will send anACK command to the wireless reader, and then the laser can be unlockedand reenabled. Then the second read can be processed.

The wireless reader may also be programmed to require the user to pressthe data transmission activation button another time to transmit thebarcode after it has just established a new communication link with itsbase station. This feature would allow user to rescan a different codeto overwrite data before it is sent to the host system via the basestation. The system control process can also be programmed to enablesmultiple reads to be stored before data transmission is to occur to thebase station after depressing the data transmission activation switch330.

The system can be programmed so that all three LEDs illuminate toindicate that wireless reader is out of range, as well as so that allthree LEDs illuminate to indicate that there is stored data in the DataPacket Group Buffer 802 waiting to be transmitted to the base station.Also, the system can be programmed so that stored data can be cleared byholding down the data transmission activation switch 330 for programmedduration (i.e. 3 sec.).

Also, the system can be programmed so that it tests its datacommunication link before transmission of data packets buffered inmemory. With this feature, the systems can avoid losing barcode causedby the disconnection of the reader and its base station. Before thereader sends data to its base station, it will test the connectionfirst; and if the connection is broken, then the wireless reader willhold the barcode data and try to establish the connection. When theconnection is established again, then the wireless reader will send thestored barcode to its base station.

FIGS. 46A1 through 46C4 illustrates the steps involved in the controlprocess carried out by the control subsystem of the bar code symbolreading system of FIGS. 45A1 through 45A4. This process is similar tothe process shown in FIGS. 20A1 through 20E, except for at Blocks Ythrough FF shown in FIGS. 46C2 and 46C3 which relate to therange-dependent data packet transmission control feature of the presentinvention.

The system shown in FIGS. 43A through 46C8 also embodied a number ofother technical features which shall now be specified below.

For example, a mechanical vibrator can be included within thehand-supportable housing of the wireless device so that when scan datatransmission from the reader to the base station is successful, then thereader automatically vibrates. The mechanical vibrator would be arrangedunder the control of C₃ Control Module. In a noisy environment, thisfeature should provide a clear signal to the operator that thetransmission status has been successful.

A low battery protection circuit can be provided within the wirelesshand-supportable reader for (i) automatically monitoring batteryvoltage; (ii) razzing/vibrating the reader if the battery voltage islow, and turning off laser diode within the device, and causing thesystem to enter its sleep mode. This circuit can protect the batteryfrom over-discharge and data errors, because the current drawn from thebattery will be much higher when its voltage is too low.

When wireless reader of the present invention switches into its sleepmode (however it was caused to enter this date), the microcontrollerused with each Bluetooth™ RF transceiver chip set (aboard the wirelessreader and base station alike) will issue the disconnect commands,causing the data communication link between the wireless bar code reader(i.e. or data terminal) and its base station to be terminated.Thereafter, these microcontrollers enter an idle mode and associatedBluetooth™ RF transceiver chip sets are automatically driven into a lowpower mode. When the wireless reader is waked up, these microcontrollersare also woken up at the same time, and the transceivers activated andthe communication link reestablished. All of these actions areautomatically carried out within the wireless communication system ofthe present invention. All that the operator is required to do duringsuch periods of non-operation is to push the data transmissionactivation switch 330 in order to wake up the system.

As shown in the figures, the systems power switch can be located at therear end of reader's housing, and accessible by way of a small pin hole.With this feature, the operator can disconnect the battery using thepower switch at the rear of the reader. It provides a simple way to saveelectrical power and will protect the battery aboard the wirelessreader. In addition, this switch can serve as a hardware reset buttonwhen something is wrong with the reader.

As illustrated in the figures, the cradle of the base station isprovided with protractable/retractable support hooks for supporting thehand-held reader in vertical and horizontal orientations alike.

This feature permits the cradle/base station to be easily mounted toeither a desk or to a wall surface.

Another object of the present invention is to enable wireless update thewireless bar code reader's firmware. With this feature, the reader'sfirmware can be updated by a host computer. To achieve this, the hostcomputer sends a command to base station then the base station will sendthe command to the wireless reader. Thereafter, the base stationtransmits firmware code (e.g. associated with the Bluetooth™ wirelessdata communications interface) from the host computer to the wirelessreader. Then using the updated code received by the wireless reader, thereader can update its firmware according to these codes upon entering afirmware update mode of operation.

Wireless Automatic Hand-Supportable 2-D Bar Code Symbol Reading Deviceof the Present Invention With Automatic Range-Dependent DataTransmission Control

VoyagerPDF™, a hand-held laser scanner capable of decoding all standardlinear bar codes as well as certain 2-D codes, including PDF417, PDF417truncated, and RSS composite. With a simple swipe of the easy-to-viewlaser line over the 2-D code, data is captured, decoded, and transmittedquickly and easily. For linear codes, VoyagerPDF operates in the samefashion as a VoyagerCG®. Simply aim the laser line on a desired barcode, press the patented CodeGate® button, and the data is transmitted.

FIG. 47 shows an alternative embodiment of the automatic wireless laserscanning bar code symbol reading system of the present invention shownin FIGS. 43A-46C4, modified to support the reading of 2-D bar codesymbols (e.g. such as the PDF 417 symbology) and the novel 2-wayRF-based data communication link interface illustrated in FIGS.43A-46C4. As shown in FIG. 47, this system is designed to operate by theoperator manually moving the linear laser scanning pattern generatedfrom the wireless reader in a downward direction along the heightdimension of the 2-D bar code structure. Therewhile, the Bar Code SymbolData Detector (311′) employed therein automatically generates Scan DataActivation Signal A₂=1, whereupon the C₂ Control Module 313automatically activates a Audible Data Capture Buffering Indicator (e.g.piezo-electical transducer) 306, causing audible sounds (e.g. clicks) tobe generated as each line of bar code symbol data is detected therebyprior to 2-D symbol decoding.

When the data scanning/collection/buffering process is completed (withthe swiping of the linear laser pattern across the 2-D bar code symbol),and each line collected scan data is buffered in memory and ready fordecode processing, the system automatically generates a visualindication of such completion (via LEDs on the wireless reader), and ifthe operator has depressed the data transmission activation switch 330within when the scanning process is completed, then data packets areautomatically transmitted to the remote base station in accordance withthe principles of the present invention herein. If the wireless readeris moved outside its communication range, then the data packets arebuffered in the Data Packet Group Buffer 802 and subsequentlytransmitted to the base unit when link status is resumed, as describedin detail above.

As illustrated in FIGS. 47A1 through 47A4, the system of FIG. 47 issimilar to the system shown and described in FIGS. 43A 46C4. except thatthe system of FIG. 47 employs Barcode Symbol Data Detection Circuit 311′(for detecting lines of 2-D bar code symbols being scanned) instead ofBar Code Symbol Presence Detection Circuit 311 which has been designedto detect the presence of complete 1-D bar code symbols in a real-timemanner; (2) Audible Scan Data Capture Buffering Indicator 806, forgenerating audible clicking or like sounds during the line by linecapture of 2-D bar code symbol scan data during bar code swipingoperations illustrated in FIG. 47; and (3) a visual indicator (LEDs) forsignaling to the operator that the 2-D bar code symbol has been scannedand decoded (i.e. read).

FIGS. 47A1 through 47C4 shows a high level flow chart of the controlprocess carried out by the control subsystem of the bar code symbolreading system of FIGS. 47A1 through 47A4. The primary points ofdifference between the control processes of the system shown in FIGS. 47and 43A are indicated at blocks Y through FF.

Having described the preferred embodiments of the present invention,several modifications come to mind.

For example, in the illustrative embodiments of the present invention,particular types of bar code symbol reading engines disclosed hereinhave been suggested for incorporation into various types of systemsdifferentiated primarily on the basis of their form factors. It isunderstood, however, that with or without mode function, any bar codesymbol reading engine disclosed herein can be incorporated into any barcode symbol reading system, regardless of its form factor in relation tothe form factor of the engine.

While various types of laser scanning bar code symbol reading mechanismsdisclosed herein have been shown or realized in the form of an engine,having a separate housing or module, it is understood that each suchmechanism need not have a separate housing or modular structure, but canbe integrated directly into the structure of the hand-supportablehousing of the bar code symbol reading device.

In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the automaticportable bar code symbol reading device may not incorporate within itshousing, electronic circuitry for carrying out control, decoding andother data processing functions. Instead such electronic circuitry maybe contained within a remote unit operably associated with thehand-supportable device by way of the flexible scanner cable. In suchembodiments, the hand-supportable device will function as an automatichand-supportable laser scanner, rather than a bar code symbol reader.

While the indicator lights provided on the automatic bar code symbolreading devices of the present invention have be linked or correlated toparticular states of operation within such devices, it is understoodthat in alternative embodiments hereof such indicator lights may beconfigured to indicate different types of information to the user forthe purpose of, for example, facilitating easy operation, maintenanceand the like in various user environments.

While the illustrative embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed in connection with various types of bar code symbol readingapplications involving 1-D and 2-D bar code structures, it is understoodthat the present invention can be used in connection with anymachine-readable indicia or graphical structures including, but notlimited to bar code symbol structures. Hereinafter, the term code symbolshall be deemed to include such information carrying structures.

It is understood that the laser scanning modules, engines and bar codesymbol reading systems of the illustrative embodiments may be modifiedin a variety of ways which will become readily apparent to those skilledin the art of having the benefit of the novel teachings disclosedherein. All such modifications and variations of the illustrativeembodiments thereof shall be deemed to be within the scope and spirit ofthe present invention as defined by the Claims to Invention appendedhereto.

1. An automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system comprising: (1) a hand-supportable housing supportable in or on the hand of a user, and having a light transmission aperture through which visible light can exit and enter said hand-supportable housing; (2) automatic scan data producing means in said hand-supportable housing for producing scan data from a bar code symbol on an object located within at least a portion of a laser scanning field definable relative to said hand-supportable housing, said scan data producing means including (i) a laser beam producing means disposed in said hand-supportable housing for producing and projecting a laser beam through said light transmission aperture, (ii) scanning means for repeatedly scanning said laser beam across said laser scanning field and across said bar code symbol on said object, and (iii) laser light detecting means for detecting the intensity of laser light reflected off said bar code symbol and passed through said light transmission aperture and for automatically producing scan data indicative of said detected light intensity; (3) bar code symbol detection means in said hand-supportable housing for processing produced scan data so as to detect the presence of said bar code symbol on said object and to automatically generate a first control activation signal (A₂) in response to the detection of said bar code symbol in said laser scanning field; (4) decode processing means in said hand-supportable housing for processing produced scan data so as to decode said bar code symbol on said object and for automatically producing symbol character data representative of said decoded bar code symbol, and automatically generating a second control activation signal (A₃) indicative of the production of said symbol character data; (5) manually-actuable data transmission switch integrated with said hand-supportable housing, for producing a third control activation signal (A₄) in response to the manual-actuation of said manually-actuable data transmission switch; (6) data transmission means in said hand-supportable housing, for transmitting said symbol character data to a host device operably connected to said automatic bar code symbol reading system only in response to the occurrence of at least said second and third control activation signals; and (7) system control circuitry for automatically controlling the operation of said automatic bar code symbol reading system in response to the generation of said first, second and third control activation signals.
 2. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 1, which further comprises: a hand-held mode of automatic operation and a countertop-supported mode of automatic operation; and mode selection means integrated with said hand-supportable housing, for generating said third control activation signal in response to said hand-supportable housing being placed in a scanner stand or on a countertop surface.
 3. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 1, wherein said bar code symbol has first and second envelope borders, and said bar code symbol detection means detects said bar code symbol by detecting said first and second envelope borders.
 4. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 1, wherein said scan data producing means is activatable, and said hand-supportable bar code symbol reading device further comprises an object detector in said hand-supportable housing, for detecting said object in at least a portion of an object detection field defined relative to said housing and automatically generating a fourth activation control signal (A₁) indicative of the detection of said object in at least a portion of said object detection field; and wherein said system control circuitry automatically controls the operation of said automatic bar code symbol reading system in response to the generation of said first, second, third and fourth control activation signals.
 5. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 4 wherein said object detector comprises a signal transmitting means for transmitting a signal towards said object in said object detection field, and a signal receiving means for receiving said transmitted signal reflected off said object in at least a portion of said object detection field, and automatically generating said activation signal indicative of the detection of said object in at least a portion of said scan field.
 6. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 5, wherein said signal transmitting means comprises an infra-red light source for transmitting a pulsed infra-red light signal, and wherein said signal receiving means comprises an infra-red light detector disposed in said hand-supportable housing.
 7. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 5, wherein said signal transmitting means comprises a laser diode for transmitting a pulsed laser signal, and wherein said signal receiving means comprises a photodetector disposed in said hand-supportable housing.
 8. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 1, wherein said laser beam producing means comprises a laser diode for producing a visible laser beam.
 9. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 1, wherein said hand-supportable housing comprises a head portion and handle portion.
 10. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 9, wherein said bar code symbol detection means and said scan data producing means are disposed in said head portion.
 11. An automatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading system, comprising: a hand-supportable housing; a laser-scanning bar code symbol reading mechanism, disposed in said hand-supportable housing, for repeatedly reading one or more bar code symbols on an object within a predetermined time period, and in response to each new successful reading of one of said bar code symbols within said predetermined time period, producing a new symbol character data string representative of said read bar code symbol; a data transmission circuit, disposed in said hand-supportable housing, for transmitting, when activated, a selected one of said produced symbol character data strings to a host system operably connected to said automatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading system; a manually-activatable data transmission switch, integrated with said hand-supportable housing, for generating a data transmission control activation signal in response to the actuation of said manually-activatable data transmission switch within said predetermined time period; and a system controller for activating said data transmission circuit in response to the generation of said data transmission control activation signal so that a symbol character data string, produced currently with or immediately subsequent to the activation of said manually-activatable data transmission switch, is transmitted to said host system.
 12. The automatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading system of claim 11, which further comprises an indicator, integrated with said hand-supportable housing, for indicating each instance of when a bar code symbol is read by said laser-scanning bar code symbol reading mechanism and a symbol character data string representative thereof is produced thereby.
 13. The automatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading system of claim 11, which further comprises a hand-held mode of automatic operation and a countertop-supported mode of automatic operation; and mode selection means integrated with said hand-supportable housing, for generating said data transmission control activation signal in response to said hand-supportable housing being placed in a scanner stand or on countertop surface.
 14. An automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system for carrying out bar code symbol reading operations, comprising: a hand-supportable housing; a manually-activatable data transmission activation switch integrated with said hand-supportable housing; and an automatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading engine, disposed within said hand-supportable housing, and having (i) a preprogrammed set of operational states wherethrough the system automatically passes during each bar code symbol reading operation, and (ii) a preprogrammed symbol character data transmission state of operation into which said system is automatically induced in response to the manually-actuation of said symbol character data transmission activation switch.
 15. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 14, wherein the preprogrammed set of operational states include a bar code presence detection state of operation and a bar code symbol reading state of operation.
 16. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 15, wherein the preprogrammed set of operational states further include an object detection state of operation.
 17. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 11, which further comprises an objection detection subsystem realized using either infrared (IR) signal transmission/receiving technology, or low-power non-visible laser beam signaling technology, for automatically detecting an object within an object detection field defined relative to said hand-supportable housing.
 18. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 11, which further comprises a set of color-encoded light sources provided on the exterior of said hand-supportable housing for sequentially generating a set of visually-perceptible state indication signals that visually indicate to the user the various states of operation, wherethrough said system automatically passes during each instance of automatic bar code symbol reading in accordance with the present invention.
 19. An automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 15, wherein the set of color-encoded state indicating light sources on the exterior of said hand-supportable housing sequentially generate a visually-perceptible object detection indication signal when the system is automatically induced into its the object detection state of operation, a visually-perceptible bar code symbol presence detection indication signal when the system is automatically induced into its bar code symbol presence detection state of operation, and a visually-perceptible bar code symbol reading indication signal when the system is automatically induced into its bar code symbol reading state of operation, during each automatic bar code symbol reading cycle carried out by said system.
 20. An automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system comprising: a hand-supportable housing; a bar code symbol reader, disposed in said hand-supportable housing, for automatically reading one or more bar code symbols on an object and automatically generating a symbol character data string in response to each bar code symbol read thereby; a manually-activatable data transmission switch integrated with said hand-supportable housing, for producing a data transmission activation signal; and a data transmission device for transmitting to a host system, a selected one of said symbol character data strings, in response to the generation of said data transmission activation signal.
 21. An automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system having an automatic hands-on mode of operation, an automatic hands-free mode of operation, a bar code symbol reading state and a data transmission state, said automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system comprising: a hand-supportable housing: a laser scanning bar code symbol reading device, disposed in said hand-supportable housing, for automatically reading one or more bar code symbols on an object, and producing a symbol character data element each instance one said bar code symbol is read from said object during said bar code symbol reading state of operation; a data transmission circuit for selectively transmitting a produced symbol character data string to a host system during said data transmission state of operation; a manually-actuable data transmission switch, integrated with said hand-supportable housing, for activating said data transmission state during said hands-on mode of operation, so as to enable the transmission of a selected one of said produced symbol character data strings to said host system; and a mode selection sensor, integrated with said hand-supportable housing, for activating said data transmission state during said hands-free mode of operation, so as to enable the transmission of a selected one of said produced symbol character data strings to said host system.
 22. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 21, which further comprises a base unit is provided for supporting said hand-supportable bar code symbol reading device during said automatic hands-free mode of operation.
 23. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 21, wherein said data transmission circuit is disposed within said hand-supportable housing.
 24. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 21, wherein a wireless data packet transmission and reception scheme is used to carry out data transmission during said data transmission state.
 25. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 21, wherein said laser scanning bar code symbol reading device comprises a bar code symbol detection field and the bar code symbol reading field which are produced by either a one-dimensional, two-dimensional or omni-directional laser scanning engine embodied within said hand-supportable housing.
 26. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 21, wherein the hand-supportable bar code symbol reading device can be used as either a portable hand-supported laser scanner in said automatic hands-on mode of operation, or as a stationary laser projection scanner in said automatic hands-free mode of operation.
 27. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 21, wherein said data packet transmission circuit is activated in response to the user's manual-activation of said data transmission activation switch.
 28. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 21, wherein said hands-free mode of operation is automatically selected by placing said hand-supportable housing within a support stand or on a counter surface, and said hands-on mode of operation is selected by removing said hand-supportable housing from said support stand or off said counter surface.
 29. A method of transmitting automatically-generated bar code symbol character data within a hand-supportable bar code symbol reading device, to a host computer system, said method comprising the steps: automatically generating symbol character data strings representative of a bar code symbol being repeatedly read by a hand-supportable bar code reading device having a manually-activatable data transmission switch to enable transmission of a selected one of said symbol character data strings, to a host system operably connected to said hand-supportable bar code reading device; and manually-actuating said data transmission switch to enable the transmission of a selected one of said symbol character data strings, to said host system.
 30. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system comprising: a hand-supportable bar code reading device for repeatedly reading one or more bar code symbols on an object and automatically generating symbol character data strings representative of each bar code symbol being repeatedly read thereby; and a manually-activatable data transmission switch, integrated with said hand-supportable bar code reading device, for enabling transmission of a selected one of said symbol character data strings, to a host system operably connected to said hand-supportable bar code reading device.
 31. A method of reading bar code symbols on an object using a hand-supportable device, comprising the steps of: (a) repeatedly reading one or more bar code symbols on an object within a predetermined time period, and in response to each new successful reading of one of said bar code symbols within said predetermined time period, producing a new symbol character data string representative of said read bar code symbol; and (b) a manually-actuating a data transmission switch integrated with said hand-supportable device, for generating a data transmission activation control signal within said predetermined time period, thereby selecting one of said produced symbol character data strings for transmission to a host system operably connected to said hand-supportable unit.
 32. The method of claim 31, which further comprises producing a visual indication upon each new successful reading of one of said bar code symbols.
 33. The method of claim 31, which further comprises the steps: generating said data transmission control activation signal in response to said hand-supportable device being placed in a scanner stand or on countertop surface.
 34. An automatically-activated code symbol reading system for repeatedly generating symbol character data strings, representative of a repetitively read bar code symbol, and transmitting a selected of said symbol character data strings to a host system operably connected to said automatically-activated code symbol reading system, said automatically-activated code symbol reading system comprising: a hand-supportable housing: a bar code symbol reading mechanism, disposed within said hand-supportable housing, for automatically generating a visible laser scanning pattern for repeatedly reading one or more bar code symbols on an object during a bar code symbol reading cycle, and automatically generating a new symbol character data string in response to each bar code symbol read thereby; a manually-activatable data transmission switch, integrated with said hand-supportable housing, for producing a data transmission control activation signal within said hand-supportable housing; wherein during system operation, (i) the user visually aligns the visible laser scanning pattern with a particular bar code symbol on an object (e.g. product, bar code menu, etc.) so that at least one said bar code symbol is scanned, detected and decoded in a cyclical manner, and each time the scanned bar code symbol is successfully read during said bar code symbol reading cycle, a new bar code symbol character string is produced, and (ii) the user actuates said data transmission switch during said bar code symbol reading cycle, causing data transmission control activation signal to be produced, and thereby enabling a currently or subsequently produced symbol character data string to be automatically selected and transmitted to said host system.
 35. The automatically-activated code symbol reading system of claim 34, which further comprises an indicator light on the hand-supportable housing, and wherein each time said new bar code symbol character string is produced, said indicator light on the hand-supportable housing is actively driven.
 36. A method for repeatedly generating symbol character data strings, representative of a repetitively read bar code symbol on an object, and transmitting a selected symbol character data string to a host system for storage and/or processing, said method comprising the steps of: (a) supporting a hand-supportable bar code symbol reading device adjacent an object bearing one or more bar code symbols to be read, said hand-supportable bar code symbol reading device having a manually-activatable data transmission switch for producing a data transmission control activation signal within said hand-supportable bar code symbol reading device; (b) automatically generating a visible laser scanning pattern from said hand-supportable bar code symbol reading device, for repeatedly reading said one or more bar code symbols on said object during a bar code symbol reading cycle, and automatically generating a new symbol character data string in response to each bar code symbol read thereby; (c) visually aligning said visible laser scanning pattern with one said bar code symbol on said object so that one said bar code symbol is scanned, detected and decoded in a cyclical manner, and each time said scanned bar code symbol is successfully read during said bar code symbol reading cycle, a new bar code symbol character string is produced; and (d) within said bar code symbol reading cycle, manually actuating said manually-activatable data transmission switch, causing said data transmission control activation signal to be produced, and thereby enabling a currently or subsequently produced symbol character data string to be automatically selected and transmitted to said host system for storage and/or processing.
 37. The method of claim 36, wherein said hand-supportable housing has an indicator light, and wherein step (c) further comprises actively driving said indicator light each time said new bar code symbol character string is produced.
 38. An automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system comprising: (1) a hand-supportable housing supportable in or on the hand of a user, and having a light transmission aperture through which visible light can exit and enter said hand-supportable housing; (2) automatic scan data producing means in said hand-supportable housing for producing scan data from a bar code symbol on an object located within at least a portion of a laser scanning field definable relative to said hand-supportable housing, said scan data producing mechanism including (i) a laser beam producing means disposed in said hand-supportable housing for producing and projecting a laser beam through said light transmission aperture, (ii) a scanning mechanism for repeatedly scanning said laser beam across said laser scanning field and across said bar code symbol on said object, and (iii) laser light detector for detecting the intensity of laser light reflected off said bar code symbol and passed through said light transmission aperture and for automatically producing scan data indicative of said detected light intensity; (3) a bar code symbol detector in said hand-supportable housing for processing produced scan data so as to detect the presence of said bar code symbol on said object and to automatically generate a first control activation signal in response to the detection of said bar code symbol in said laser scanning field; (4) a decode processor in said hand-supportable housing for processing produced scan data so as to decode said bar code symbol on said object and for automatically producing symbol character data representative of said decoded bar code symbol, and automatically generating a second control activation signal indicative of the production of said symbol character data; (5) manually-actuable data transmission switch integrated with said hand-supportable housing, for producing a third control activation signal in response to the manual-actuation of said manually-actuable data transmission switch; (6) a data transmitter in said hand-supportable housing, for transmitting said symbol character data to a host device operably connected to said automatic bar code symbol reading system only in response to the occurrence of at least said second and third control activation signals; and (7) a system controller for automatically controlling the operation of said automatic bar code symbol reading system in response to the generation of said first, second and third control activation signals.
 39. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 38, which further comprises: a hand-held mode of automatic operation and a countertop-supported mode of automatic operation; and a mode selector integrated with said hand-supportable housing, for generating said third control, activation signal in response to said hand-supportable housing being placed in a scanner stand or on a countertop surface.
 40. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 38, wherein said bar code symbol has first and second envelope borders, and said bar code symbol detector detects said bar code symbol by detecting said first and second envelope borders.
 41. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 38, wherein said scan data producing mechanism is activatable, and said hand-supportable bar code symbol reading device further comprises an object detector in said hand-supportable housing, for detecting said object in at least a portion of an object detection field defined relative to said housing and automatically generating a fourth activation control signal indicative of the detection of said object in at least a portion of said object detection field; and wherein said system controller automatically controls the operation of said automatic bar code symbol reading system in response to the generation of said first, second, third and fourth control activation signals.
 42. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 41, wherein said object detector comprises a signal transmitter for transmitting a signal towards said object in said object detection field, and a signal receiver for receiving said transmitted signal reflected off said object in at least a portion of said object detection field, and automatically generating said activation signal indicative of the detection of said object in at least a portion of said scan field.
 43. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 42, wherein said signal transmitter comprises an infra-red light source for transmitting a pulsed infra-red light signal, and wherein said signal receiver comprises an infra-red light detector disposed in said hand-supportable housing.
 44. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 42, wherein said signal transmitter comprises a laser diode for transmitting a pulsed laser signal, and wherein said signal receiver comprises a photodetector disposed in said hand-supportable housing.
 45. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 38, wherein said laser beam producing mechanism comprises a laser diode for producing a visible laser beam.
 46. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 38, wherein said hand-supportable housing comprises a head portion and handle portion.
 47. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 46, wherein said bar code symbol detector and said scan data producing mechanism are disposed in said head portion.
 48. An automatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading system, comprising: a hand-supportable housing; a laser-scanning bar code symbol reading mechanism, disposed in said hand-supportable housing, for repeatedly reading one or more bar code symbols on an object within a predetermined time period, and in response to each new successful reading of one of said bar code symbols within said predetermined time period, producing a new symbol character data string representative of said read bar code symbol; a data transmission circuit, disposed in said hand-supportable, housing, for transmitting, when activated, a selected one of said produced symbol character data strings to a host system operably connected to said automatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading system; a manually-activatable data transmission switch, integrated with said hand-supportable housing, for generating a data transmission control activation signal in response to the actuation of said manually-activatable data transmission switch within said predetermined time period; and a system controller for activating said data transmission circuit in response to the generation of said data transmission control activation signal so that a symbol character data string, produced current with or immediately subsequent to the activation of said manually-activatable data transmission switch, is transmitted to said host system.
 49. The automatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading system of claim 11, which further comprises an indicator, integrated with said hand-supportable housing, for indicating each instance of when a bar code symbol is read by said laser-scanning bar code symbol reading mechanism and a symbol character data string representative thereof is produced thereby.
 50. The automatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading system of claim 48, which further comprises a hand-held mode of automatic operation and a countertop-supported mode of automatic operation; and mode selection means integrated with said hand-supportable housing, for generating said data transmission control activation signal in response to said hand-supportable housing being placed in a scanner stand or on countertop surface.
 51. An automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system for carrying out bar code symbol reading operations, comprising: a hand-supportable housing; a manually-activatable data transmission activation switch integrated with said hand-supportable housing; and an automatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading engine, disposed within said hand-supportable housing, and having (i) a preprogrammed set of operational states wherethrough the system automatically passes during each bar code symbol reading operation, and (ii) a preprogrammed symbol character data transmission state of operation into which said system is automatically induced in response to the manually-actuation of said symbol character data transmission activation switch.
 52. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 51, wherein the preprogrammed set of operational states include a bar code presence detection state of operation and a bar code symbol reading state of operation.
 53. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 52, wherein the preprogrammed set of operational states further include an object detection state of operation.
 54. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 51, which further comprises an objection detection subsystem realized using either infrared (IR) signal transmission/receiving technology, or low-power non-visible laser beam signaling technology, for automatically detecting an object within an object detection field defined relative to said hand-supportable housing.
 55. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 51, which further comprises a set of color-encoded light sources provided on the exterior of said hand-supportable housing for sequentially generating a set of visually-perceptible state indication signals that visually indicate to the user the various states of operation, wherethrough said system automatically passes during each instance of automatic bar code symbol reading in accordance with the present invention.
 56. An automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 55, wherein the set of color-encoded state indicating light sources on the exterior of said hand-supportable housing sequentially generate a visually-perceptible object detection indication signal when the system is automatically induced into its the object detection state of operation, a visually-perceptible bar code symbol presence detection indication signal when the system is automatically induced into its bar code symbol presence detection state of operation, and a visually-perceptible bar code symbol reading indication signal when the system is automatically induced into its bar code symbol reading state of operation, during each automatic bar code symbol reading cycle carried out by said system.
 57. An automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system comprising: a hand-supportable housing; a bar code symbol reader, disposed in said hand-supportable housing, for automatically reading one or more bar code symbols on an object and automatically generating a symbol character data string in response to each bar code symbol read thereby; a manually-activatable data transmission switch integrated with said hand-supportable housing, for producing a data transmission activation signal; and a data transmission device for transmitting to a host system, a selected one of said symbol character data strings, in response to the generation of said data transmission activation signal.
 58. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 57 which further comprises a display panel integrated with said hand-supportable housing for displaying data, and a manual data entry device integrated with said hand-supportable housing for entering data into said system.
 59. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 57, wherein said data transmission device further comprises an RF transmitter for transmitting said selected one of symbol character data strings to a remote base station by way of wireless electromagnetic transmission.
 60. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 58, wherein said data transmission device further comprises an RF transmitter for transmitting said selected one of symbol character data strings to a remote base station by way of wireless electromagnetic transmission.
 61. An automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system having a bar code symbol reading state of operation and a data transmission state of operation, said system automatically-activated bar code symbol reading comprising: a hand-supportable housing: a laser scanning bar code symbol reading device, disposed in said hand-supportable housing, for automatically reading one or more bar code symbols on an object, and producing a symbol character data element each instance one said bar code symbol is read from said object during said bar code symbol reading state of operation; a data transmission circuit, disposed within said hand-supportable housing, for selectively transmitting a produced symbol character data string to a host system during said data transmission state of operation; a manually-actuable data transmission switch, integrated with said hand-supportable housing, for activating said data transmission state so as to enable the transmission of a selected one of said produced symbol character data strings to said host system.
 62. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 61 which further comprises a display panel integrated with said hand-supportable housing for displaying data, and a manual data entry device integrated with said hand-supportable housing for entering data into said system.
 63. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 61, which further comprises an RF transmitter for transmitting the selected one of said symbol character data strings to a remote base station by way of wireless electromagnetic transmission.
 64. A portable data terminal comprising: a hand-supportable housing; an automatic laser scanning bar code reading mechanism disposed within said hand-supportable housing, for automatically generating symbol character data strings representative of a bar code symbol being repeatedly read thereby; and a manually-activatable data transmission switch integrated with said hand-supportable housing, to enable transmission of a selected one of said symbol character data strings, to a host system operably connected to said portable data terminal.
 65. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system comprising: a hand-supportable bar code reading device for repeatedly reading one or more bar code symbols on an object and automatically generating symbol character data strings representative of each bar code symbol being repeatedly read thereby; and a manually-activatable data transmission switch, integrated with said hand-supportable bar code reading device, for enabling transmission of a selected one of said symbol character data strings, to a host system operably connected to said hand-supportable bar code reading device.
 66. A method of reading bar code symbols on an object using a hand-supportable device, comprising the steps of: (a) repeatedly reading one or more bar code symbols on an object within a predetermined time period, and in response to each new successful reading of one of said bar code symbols within said predetermined time period, producing a new symbol character data string representative of said read bar code symbol; and (b) a manually-actuating a data transmission switch integrated with said hand-supportable device, for generating a data transmission activation control signal within said predetermined time period; (c) in response to said data transmission activation signal, selecting and transmitting one of said produced symbol character data strings to a host system operably connected to said hand-supportable device.
 67. The method of claim 66, which further comprises producing a visual indication upon each new successful reading of one of said bar code symbols.
 68. The method of claim 66, which further comprises the steps: generating said data transmission control activation signal in response to said hand-supportable device being placed in a scanner stand or on countertop surface.
 69. The method of claim 66, wherein step (c) comprises further comprises transmitting, by way of wireless electromagnetic transmission, the selected one of said symbol character data strings to a remote bases station operably connected to said host system.
 70. The method of claim 69, which further comprises: displaying data on a display panel integrated with said hand-supportable device, and manually entering data into said hand-supportable device using data entry device integrated with said hand-supportable device.
 63. The automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system of claim 61, which further comprises an RF transmitter for
 71. An automatically-activated code symbol reading system for repeatedly generating symbol character data strings, representative of a repetitively read code symbol, and transmitting a selected of said symbol character data strings to a host system operably connected to said automatically-activated code symbol reading system, said automatically-activated code symbol reading system comprising: a hand-supportable housing: a code symbol reading mechanism, disposed within said hand-supportable housing, for automatically generating a visible laser scanning pattern for repeatedly reading one or more code symbols on an object during a code symbol reading cycle, and automatically generating a new symbol character data string in response to each code symbol read thereby; a manually-activatable data transmission switch, integrated with said hand-supportable housing, for producing a data transmission control activation signal within said hand-supportable housing; wherein during system operation, (i) the user visually aligns the visible laser scanning pattern with a particular code symbol on an object so that at least one said code symbol is scanned, detected and decoded in a cyclical manner, and each time the scanned code symbol is successfully read during said code symbol reading cycle, a new bar code symbol character string is produced, and (ii) the user actuates said data transmission switch during said code symbol reading cycle, causing data transmission control activation signal to be produced, and thereby enabling a subsequently produced symbol character data string to be automatically selected and transmitted to said host system.
 72. The automatically-activated code symbol reading system of claim 71, which further comprises an indicator light on the hand-supportable housing, and wherein each time said new bar code symbol character string is produced, said indicator light on the hand-supportable housing is actively driven.
 73. A method for repeatedly generating symbol character data strings, representative of a repetitively read code symbol on an object, and transmitting a selected symbol character data string to a host system for storage and/or processing, said method comprising the steps of: (a) supporting a hand-supportable code symbol reading device adjacent an object bearing one or more code symbols to be read, said hand-supportable code symbol reading device having a manually-activatable data transmission switch for producing a data transmission control activation signal within said hand-supportable code symbol reading device; (b) automatically generating a visible laser scanning pattern from said hand-supportable code symbol reading device, for repeatedly reading said one or more bar code symbols on said object during a code symbol reading cycle, and automatically generating a new symbol character data string in response to each code symbol read thereby; (c) visually aligning said visible laser scanning pattern with one said bar code symbol on said object so that one said code symbol is scanned, detected and decoded in a cyclical manner, and each time said scanned bar code symbol is successfully read during said code symbol reading cycle, a new bar code symbol character string is produced; and (d) within said bar code symbol reading cycle, manually actuating said manually-activatable data transmission switch, causing said data transmission control activation signal to be produced, and thereby enabling a currently or subsequently produced symbol character data string to be automatically selected and transmitted to said host system for storage and/or processing.
 74. The method of claim 73, wherein said hand-supportable housing has an indicator light, and wherein step (c) further comprises actively driving said indicator light each time said new bar code symbol character string is produced.
 75. A wireless automatic hand-supportable bar code symbol reading system with automatic range-dependent data transmission control.
 76. A wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system employing a 2-way RF-based data communication link between its cradle-providing base station and its wireless hand-supportable code symbol reading device employing a manually-operated data transmission activation switch that is controlled by automatically detecting whether or not the hand-supportable wireless device is located within the RF communication range of the RF-based data communication link.
 77. A wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system system, wherein the range-dependent condition is detected by detecting the strength of “heartbeat” signals automatically transmitted from the base station to the wireless hand-supportable device.
 78. A wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein if the hand-supportable scanning device is located out-side of the predetermined 2-way RF communication range, then an audible and/or visual indicator is generated and packaged symbol character data is automatically buffered within the memory storage of device until the device moves into its communication range at a later time, during the next requested data transmission to the host computer system.
 79. A wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system designed for use in point-of-sale environments or light warehousing applications.
 80. A wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein wireless reader is programmed to require the user to press the data transmission activation button another time to transmit the barcode after it has just established a new communication link with its base station.
 81. A wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein its system control process is programmed to enables multiple reads to be stored before data transmission is to occur to the base station after depressing the data transmission activation switch.
 82. A wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein its control system is programmed so that all three LEDs illuminate to indicate that wireless reader is out of range, as well as so that all three LEDs illuminate to indicate that there is stored data in a Data Packet Group Buffer waiting to be transmitted to the base station.
 83. A wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein its control system is programmed so that stored data can be cleared by holding down the data transmission activation switch for programmed duration (i.e. 3 sec.).
 84. A wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein its control system can be programmed so that it tests its data communication link before transmission of data packets buffered in memory.
 85. A wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein a mechanical vibrator is provided within the hand-supportable housing of the wireless device so that when scan data transmission from the reader to the base station is successful, then the reader automatically vibrates.
 86. A wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein a low battery protection circuit is provided within the wireless hand-supportable reader for (i) automatically monitoring battery voltage; (ii) razzing/vibrating the reader if the battery voltage is low, and turning off laser diode within the device, and causing the system to enter its sleep mode.
 87. A wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein the RF transceiver chip set and associated microcontrollers aboard the wireless reader and base station are automatically driven into a low power mode when the data communication link between the wireless reader and its base station is disconnected or terminated.
 88. The wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system of claim
 87. wherein when the wireless reader is waked up, said microcontrollers are also woken up at the same time, and the RF transceivers automatically activated and the communication link reestablished.
 89. A wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein a system power switch is located at the rear end of reader's housing, and accessible by way of a small pin hole.
 90. A wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein the cradle portion of the base station is provided with protractable/retractable support hooks for supporting the hand-held reader in both vertical and horizontal orientations.
 91. A wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system, wherein the firmware of wireless bar code reader's firmware is updated by a host computer.
 92. A wireless laser scanning bar code symbol reading system, capable of reading 2-D bar code symbologies, and having means for providing automatic range-dependent data transmission control. 